Callan Parker Occupational Therapy

02/09/2026

💜We are so excited to welcome Nicole Hamilton to the team! 💜

Some of you may have seen this new face around the practice in the last month... Nicole has joined us as a part-time therapist, bringing her passion, warmth and commitment to supporting children and their families.

We are thrilled to have her as part of our team and look forward to all the wonderful work she will do with the children and families we have the privilege of working with. 🌱

21/08/2026

Exercise #4 – The Humming Bird 🐦

This week's breathing exercise is The Humming Bird. 🐦

Humming as you breathe out creates gentle vibrations that many children find calming and soothing. It can help children slow their breathing, reduce stress, and prepare their bodies for rest.

This is one of my favourite breathing exercises to use before bedtime or during quiet time.

14/08/2026

Exercise #3 – Tongue Tube / Big Grin Breaths 😁

This week's breathing exercise is Tongue Tube (or Big Grin) Breaths! 😁

This breathing technique encourages slow, controlled breathing while giving children something fun to focus on. The cool air can feel calming and refreshing, making it a great exercise for helping children reset their bodies and refocus their attention.

Perfect before classroom tests, homework, mealtimes or any activity that requires concentration.

07/08/2026

Exercise #2 – Dragon Fire Breaths 🐉

This week's breathing exercise is Dragon Fire Breaths! 🐉

This fun activity encourages children to take a deep breath in and blow a long, controlled breath out. It's a great way to help release nervous energy, practise slowing the breath, and build body awareness.

Give it a try and let your little dragon breathe some fire!

31/07/2026

Did you know that breathing is one of the easiest ways to help children regulate their emotions, calm their bodies, and improve their focus?

The key is to practise these techniques when children are calm, so they're easier to use when big feelings arise.

Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing a series of fun, child-friendly breathing exercises that you can try at home, in the classroom, or during therapy.

This week's exercise: The Hot Air Balloon Breath. 🎈

Save this post so you can build your own calming toolkit, and share it with someone who might find it helpful!

21/07/2026

Over the past three weeks, we've had the pleasure of having Amber, a final year OT student from UCT, join our team for her elective block.
It's been wonderful to share our passion for Occupational Therapy while watching her grow in confidence, knowledge, and clinical skills.

Thank you for all your hard work, enthusiasm, flexibility and willingness to learn. We wish you every success with the rest of your studies and your future career - we know you'll make a wonderful Occupational Therapist! 💜💜💜

25/06/2026

Join SENSORi Occupational Therapy Arbeidsterapie and other wonderful professionals for this awesome talk.

Last chance to book. Busy finalising numbers. You don’t want to miss out on this

20/05/2026

🌿 Understanding the “Window of Tolerance” or Regulation Zone 🌿

We all have a “window” where we feel regulated, calm enough to cope, think clearly, connect with others, and manage daily demands.

When stress, sensory overload, fatigue, illness, emotions, or life demands become too much, we can move outside that window:

🔥 Hyperarousal — overwhelmed, anxious, angry, reactive, tearful, “too much energy”
❄️ Hypoarousal — shut down, withdrawn, numb, exhausted, disconnected

For children (and adults!), regulation is not about being calm all the time — it’s about recognising when we’re moving out of our window and having support, strategies, and connection to help us return. 💛

As OTs, we often help children and families build awareness of triggers, co-regulation strategies, sensory supports, and routines that strengthen regulation over time.

12/05/2026

21/04/2026