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The Grow Together Podcast
Imagine you’re sitting at your desk, staring at a never-ending to-do list. You’re juggling the demands of running a private practice, raising kids, and trying to find a moment for yourself. You feel like you’re pulled in a million directions — and you’re not alone.
Welcome to The Grow Together Podcast, where we bring you real stories from the trenches. I’m Kate, a private practice owner, wife, and mom of two. I get it — the highs, the lows, and the in-betweens of building a business while balancing life and parenting.
Here, we don’t sugarcoat it. We share the raw, honest truths of what it takes to launch, grow, and scale a private practice without losing yourself in the process. You’ll hear powerful stories, practical advice, and actionable tips to help you thrive both professionally and personally.
Whether you’re dreaming of starting a practice, figuring out how to scale without burning out, or searching for ways to be more present as a parent — this podcast is your go-to source for inspiration and support.
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The Grow Together Podcast
Before The Meltdown: Immediate Action Plan
Before The Meltdown: Immediate Action Plan
Host: Kate McCommons, OT and Business Coach
Main Topics Covered:
- Why It’s Too Late at Meltdown:
Meltdowns are signals of nervous system overload, not misbehavior. The brain’s frontal lobe turns off under stress, making learning and regulation nearly impossible during these moments. - Understanding the Nervous System Buckets:
- Sensory Bucket: Input from environment (sounds, sights, touch, movement)
- Autonomy Bucket: Feeling in control, completing tasks, and making choices
- Overflows in these buckets lead to meltdowns. The goal is to keep both “just right” to maintain regulation.
- Prevention Strategies:
- Create Expectancy: Use routines, clear plans, and visual cues to help children feel safe and in control.
- Use Declarative Language: Tell children what you are going to do rather than coax or demand.
- Visual Supports & Labeling: Photos and labels on drawers or tasks can reduce frustration and aid task completion.
- Closed-Ended Success Tasks: Short, clear activities with a defined start and end to build confidence and prepare the nervous system for transitions.
- Model Flexibility: Demonstrate how to handle changes or plans not going as expected to normalize the experience.
- Environmental Considerations:
Understand your child's sensory profile. Some children thrive in noisy environments; others need calm to focus. Aim to tailor the environment to your child's unique sensory needs. Consult an OT for a sensory profile assessment. - Key Takeaways:
- Meltdowns are communication, not misbehavior.
- Prevention is proactive—address the buckets long before overload occurs.
- Building safety, predictability, and autonomy helps children regulate better.
Final Encouragement:
Parents and therapists are not behind if meltdowns happen. They are part of communication and processing. By combining sensory and task-based strategies, you can support your child's regulation journey.
Join Next Week:
A parent-led approach to self-regulation for caregivers to better support themselves and their children.
Thank you for listening!
Remember, you are a wonderful parent and therapist. We’re all in this together. Have a fantastic day!
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