Allie Newton, Pediatric OT

04/01/2026

tiny parenting language shift that makes a big difference.
Stop saying “can you…”
Try giving a clear direction instead.
Kids’ brains respond much better to clear expectations.
Save this for later if you want more OT parenting tips.
momlife raisingkids

03/31/2026

Earlier this month I spoke at the Virginia Occupational Therapy Association conference about something I wish more people understood about kids:

“Big behaviors” are not defiance.

Most of the time what we’re actually seeing is:
• dysregulation
• sensory overwhelm
• lagging executive function skills
• a nervous system that is overloaded

Kids do well when they can.

When we shift the lens from punishment to understanding, we start teaching the skills kids actually need.

If you’re a parent navigating big behaviors, you’re not alone.
Your child is not “bad.”
They’re struggling.
And there are ways we can help.

03/30/2026

Tiny language shifts can completely change how kids respond.

Most kids are not trying to ignore you.
They are hearing what NOT to do, but their brain still needs a clear instruction for what TO do.

Instead of saying
“Stop running”
Try saying
“Feet are for walking.”

Instead of
“Don’t touch that”
Try
“Hands stay on your lap.”

This works especially well for kids with ADHD, sensory processing differences, or developing executive functioning because their brain benefits from clear, positive directions instead of just “no.”

Tiny wording change.
Big behavior shift.

Save this to try later and follow for practical OT strategies that actually work with kids.

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03/27/2026

Consequences and rewards only work when a child actually has the skills to do better next time.
If a child is dysregulated, overwhelmed, anxious, or in sensory overload, their brain is not in a place where learning is happening.

So punishment does not teach a new skill.

And rewards do not magically create one either.
What actually helps is skill building.

Regulation.
Body awareness.
Emotional understanding.
Executive functioning.

When kids gain the skills, the behavior changes.
This is the lens occupational therapists use every day.
Not “how do we stop the behavior?” but “what skill is the child missing?”

Because behavior is communication.
Allie Newton, OT

executivefunction regulation

03/25/2026

What if your child’s “behavior” is actually communication?

For years we’ve been taught to focus on stopping behaviors.

But what if we got curious instead?
What if we asked:
“What skill is my child missing right now?”
“What are they trying to tell me?”

When we shift from a compliance lens to a skills and communication lens, everything changes.

We move from control → connection
From punishment → problem solving
From frustration → understanding
And that’s where real progress begins.

As a pediatric Occupational therapist this is the lens I use every day to help families understand their child and build the skills they need to succeed.

Because behavior is never random.
It’s information.

📍Roanoke, Virginia

Helping kids participate in everyday life through play, connection, and regulation.

03/17/2026

Things I wish every parent knew from a pediatric OT.
After working with so many children and families, one thing becomes really clear:
Most of the time kids are not trying to be difficult.
They are overwhelmed.
They are dysregulated.
They do not yet have the skills to do what we are asking.
When we shift from
“Why are they acting like this?”
to
“What is making this hard for them?”
everything changes.
Children need support with things like:
• sensory processing
• emotional regulation
• motor skills
• executive functioning
• transitions and flexibility
And the best way we help them build those skills is through connection and play.
If you are a parent who feels like something is hard for your child right now, you are not alone. And there is support.
Occupational therapy helps kids build the skills they need for everyday life.
– Allie Newton, MS OTR/L

03/15/2026

https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/parenting/article/parents-playtime-children-under-six-qztj57d9f

Play is the work of children.
Play is how children learn.
Play is how children develop skills needed to be successful in school and life.

Parents, if you aren't sure how to play with your kids, stay tuned, I'm going to be doing a mini series on Play! 🧡

Don’t despair if screens or long hours are getting in the way — academics have a few suggestions

03/12/2026

Before I became a mom, I spent years studying childhood development as an occupational therapist.

Now I get to watch it happen in real time.
Every day with Maggie reminds me how powerful the little things are.

Being outside.
Running around.
Laughing.

Feeling safe with someone who loves you.💗

So much of what helps kids grow and thrive doesn’t come from structured activities or perfect parenting. It comes from connection, play, and everyday moments like this.

Getting to be her mom has made me an even better occupational therapist. And being an OT has made me appreciate these moments even more.

Childhood really is meant to be lived, not rushed. 💛




PediatricOT

03/04/2026

As a parent of an almost 2 year old I make sure we do some coloring/drawing every day. This mostly looks like us coloring drawing on our own pages and me modeling drawing things.
Try at home pro tips:
•DON'T tell them what or how to draw
•DO doodle/draw and say what you are drawing out loud
•DON'T say good job
•DO make comments like "oh that's nice" to allow for them to tell you more about what they drew!