#33 Why Your Kid Can’t Sit Still—And How OT Might Help with Samantha Hyali
Parenting Shrink Wrapped
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
- Children at Play, Annapolis on Facebook
- Follow Samantha Hyali on Instagram @childrenatplayannapolis
- Learn more about free consultations and services at Children at Play
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.
Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com
Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes.
Follow:
Sam – Instagram & Facebook
Melissa – Facebook
Work with Us:
Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching
Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry
Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos.
Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.
