In this episode, host Lee-Anne Bloom, OTR/L, explores realistic, attainable self-care strategies for parents who are supporting sensitive or neurodivergent children. Instead of idealized or time-consuming routines, she shares simple, daily practices that nourish the body, mind, and emotions. Topics include physical regulation through small movement habits, supportive bedtime and meal routines, mental boundary-setting, emotional nourishment, and practical tools like habit stacking, visual cues, and setting reminders. The episode emphasizes that even five minutes of intentional self-care can help parents stay grounded, improve co-regulation with their children, and build resilience as a family.
00:00 – Podcast Introduction
00:27 – Mission: Raising Resilient Children
00:50 – Invitation to Grow Together
00:59 – Parenting When You’re Depleted
01:24 – The Extra Demands of Parenting Neurodivergent Kids
01:48 – Balancing Parenting With All Your Other Roles
02:20 – Why Self-Care Matters for Parents
02:40 – Simple, Realistic Self-Care Tools
03:09 – Physical Self-Care: Movement as Regulation
03:38 – Small Routines Build Resilience
04:03 – Sleep and Nutrition as Foundational Supports
04:29 – Practical Meal Planning Tips
04:52 – Mental Self-Care Strategies
05:19 – Protecting Your Mental Space
05:40 – Emotional Self-Care Practices
06:02 – Purpose and Meaning as Emotional Nourishment
06:23 – Making Self-Care Realistic and Small
06:52 – Habit Stacking to Build New Routines
07:11 – Visual Cues to Support Consistency
07:36 – Reminders and Gentle Prompts
08:16 – Protecting Your Time and Energy
08:37 – Accountability and Support from Others
09:01 – Your Regulation Sets the Tone for Your Child
09:16 – Encouragement for Small, Consistent Steps
