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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
Lets Explain Regulation To The Non-OT's In The Room
Episode Summary
Welcome back to the Grow Together Podcast! In today’s episode, Kate dives into one of her all-time favorite topics: the nervous system—and how parents can better understand, regulate, and support themselves in the middle of their child’s big feelings and daily challenges.
Too often, pediatric therapy focuses solely on helping the child regulate—but what about the parents? How do we support you in the middle of the meltdown, when your own nervous system is running on empty?
Kate shares:
- A powerful analogy using the “ladder” model of the nervous system
- What fight, flight, freeze, and shutdown look like in everyday parenting
- The role of the prefrontal cortex, limbic system, and why your child’s reactions aren’t personal
- Why you might be dysregulated and how to prepare your own system for tough moments
- Simple, research-supported regulation tools you can use before, during, and after meltdowns
- A gentle reminder that your calm isn’t just helpful—it’s how your child learns to self-regulate
Whether you're in the car before daycare pickup or curled up with headphones after bedtime, this episode is your permission to pause, breathe, and remember: you're doing a beautiful job.
Key Takeaways
- The nervous system isn’t something to “fix”—it’s something to understand
- Fight/flight and freeze aren’t bad—they’re protective
- Children borrow regulation from calm adults—your presence matters more than perfection
- Parents need (and deserve) regulation tools just as much as their kids
- Transition time, grounding, and somatic breathing are powerful tools you can start today Mentioned in This Episode
- The Ladder Analogy for nervous system states
- Harvard Center on the Developing Child: Co-regulation as a foundation for self-regulation
- Somatic breathing and grounding techniques for daily nervous system support
- Sensory profile support with an OT to discover what drains vs. calms you
Resources + Links
- Impacting Tomorrow The nonprofit Kate mentions in this episode
Favorite Quotes
"When your child is having a big reaction, it’s not a rejection of you—it’s a request for help.""Your calm is their compass. And sometimes, your calm starts with sitting in your car and listening to spa music before walking through the front door."
Tune In + Subscribe
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