Parenting Shrink Wrapped
Parenting Shrink Wrapped is your all-access pass to the wild and wonderful journey of raising kids! Hosted by Dr. Melissa Wellner, a double board-certified psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Samantha Straub, a licensed therapist, educator, and parenting coach, this dynamic duo brings a perfect mix of professional expertise and mom humor. With five kids between them—and thousands more they’ve supported in their professional roles—they’re here to share practical strategies and real-life stories that will help you navigate everything from tantrums to teen drama. Whether you're handling sleepless nights or the chaos of carpool, you'll find relatable advice and a good laugh along the way. Strap in, because parenting is a ride, and we're here to make it a little smoother!
Parenting Shrink Wrapped
#33 Why Your Kid Can’t Sit Still—And How OT Might Help with Samantha Hyali
Is your kid constantly in motion? Refuses to wear socks? Melts down over tags in their shirts? You’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it.
In this eye-opening episode, Sam and Melissa sit down with occupational therapist and mom of three, Samantha Hyali, owner of Children at Play in Annapolis, to pull back the curtain on what occupational therapy actually is—and why more parents should know about it.
Whether you’ve heard the term OT tossed around but never understood it, or you’re deep in the parenting trenches trying to help your sensory-sensitive child thrive, this conversation is packed with aha moments, real-world examples, and strategies for supporting your child’s nervous system from the inside out.
What You’ll Learn:
- What “occupational therapy” really means (spoiler: it’s not about jobs)
- Signs your child might benefit from OT—and how to tell the difference between “can’t” vs “won’t”
- Why core strength matters more than you think for focus and behavior
- How OT helps kids with sensory sensitivities (like clothing textures or noise)
- The magic of “just-right” challenges—and how play becomes the pathway to regulation
- What therapy looks like for toddlers vs preteens and teens (yes, even your 14-year-old can benefit!)
- How OT supports both kids and parents—because parent coaching is part of the process too
Resources:
- Episode 19 – Raising Kids on the Autism Spectrum with Dr. Taylor Day
Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection.
You know when your kid screws up in some way, and you're sure of the lesson you want them to learn from it....but you’re not sure how to say it in a way they’ll actually hear?
Download Sam's free video guide that walks you through a simple, step-by-step process for handling these tough conversations called the L.O.V.E.D. framework.
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Sam: Teen Savvy Coaching
- Join The Teen Savvy Parent Hub
- Sam's free video guide: How to Have a "You Screwed Up" Conversation with your Child or Teen
- Sam's free e-book: Beyond Nagging: Empowering Parents to Transform Teen Homework Headaches
Dr. Melissa: Annapolis Psychiatry
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