Oh Crap Parenting with Jamie Glowacki

Latest Episodes:

38. All Things Tantrums Sep 28, 2021

Show notes

After my recent Instagram post on the arc of a tantrum received such an overwhelming response, I decided to devote an entire podcast to dissecting all things tantrums, meltdowns, and big feelings. Tantrums are the most intense and send your child into an altered state where you’ll actually wonder if you’ve encountered the devil, whereas meltdowns will make you feel more sad for your poor little one who’s just tired and overwhelmed. Big feelings are a momentary freakout that end just as quickly as they came on. All three can meld and morph into each other, and today I’ll look at what’s normal, what’s not, why tantrums happen, and what we can do about them. Tantrums typically begin developmentally around the 16-month to 3-year mark, and coincide with explosive brain growth that happens during that time. At this age, kids do not yet have the language skills needed to express their thoughts, and tantrums could be caused by something as simple as needing to poop. In today’s episode, I clarify that a few tantrums a week is developmentally appropriate, and explain what to watch out for to determine whether your child’s tantrums are cause for concern (whether they act aggressively, where they are tantruming and with whom, how long they last). I discuss my Go To Your Room strategy to help your child self-regulate while having big feelings, how to fix meltdowns by addressing the root of the problem, and the window of opportunity to distract your child at the beginning of a tantrum. I review the entire arc of a tantrum, what you can do to handle them at each stage, and the importance of letting a tantrum cycle run its course. Thank you for your patronage, and please visit the links below for more information on my potty training and parenting resources! The Finer Details of This Episode: The difference between tantrums, meltdowns, and big feelings Tantrums, meltdowns, and big feelings can meld and morph into each other What’s normal and what can we do about tantrums? Oftentimes, tantrums can be caused because of digestive issues or allergies, so please do not jump to conclusions that it is a behavioral issue Most behavioral therapists agree that tantrums are a demand for attention, a demand for something tangible, or an escape from a demand (putting on shoes, leaving the house) Tantrums start developmentally around the 16-month to 3-year mark and it coincides with explosive brain development Language skills are also underdeveloped at that time and they do not have the words to express their thoughts or needs Tantrums after 3.5 years are concerning - they should not be happening regularly beyond ages 4 or 5 Be cautious of brushing off behavior that’s out of the norm, as you child could really be suffering Another marker to look for is whether your child is only tantruming with you versus at daycare, in public, at the playground - across the board If they’re having tantrums only with you, that means they feel safe with you and you’re actually a very good parent Average tantrum should only last between 6 to 12 minutes Using the Go To Your Room strategy for big feelings and reactions so child can self-regulate on their own Be cautious of overstimulation and plan your outings accordingly Keep in mind that everyone is allowed to have a shitty day, even kids At the end, you want to hold your child tight and restore connection - do not process the tantrum If you are concerned about your kid’s tantrum behavior, consult a parenting expert like myself or your pediatrician Links: Jamie’s Homepage - http://www.jamieglowacki.com/ Oh Crap! Potty Training – https://www.amazon.com/Crap-Potty-Training-Everything-Parenting-ebook/dp/B00V3L8YSU Oh Crap! I Have A Toddler - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Oh-Crap!-I-Have-a-Toddler/Jamie-Glowacki/Oh-Crap-Parenting/9781982109738 Jamie’s Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/join/jamieglowacki? How To Measure Whether Your Child’s Tantrums Are Normal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

37. July Q&A Jul 15, 2021

Show notes

Welcome to July’s Q&A episode! Today I dive right in with some excellent questions about whether to allow “sexy” dolls like L.O.L Surprise Dolls in imaginary play, being aware of which franchises and marketing campaigns your children are exposed to, and how to encourage your child to play independently. I break down the relatively recent phenomenon of children expecting their parents to play with them and keep them entertained all day, and what you can do about it, even if you have an only child. Boredom is the basis for creativity, and it’s okay to establish boundaries for time together versus adult time for you. I share the two simple, but powerful words you can use to stop a rude or sassy attitude in its tracks, and what to do if your child is “acting out” in physical ways but not necessarily melting down. Finally, as we slowly return to our busy lives after the pandemic, remember that work, relationships, and parenting demands can drain our energy resources quickly. I offer my perspective on why it’s so important to rest, slow down, and pay attention to what activities feel restorative to you and your soul (reading, limiting social media, going for a walk in the woods) in this sometimes draining season of life. Thank you for your listening, and I appreciate your patronage more than I can say. For more information on my potty training and parenting resources, please visit the links below. The Finer Details of This Episode: Reminder to do strength training as it helps your body to heal itself Question about L.O.L Dolls, and whether to allow “sexy dolls” in imaginary play Make a conscious choice about which franchises and marketing campaigns your children are exposed to Watch your child’s play for any signs of inappropriate behavior, and keep in mind that most of the time, these types of toys or images are not sexualized for the child When you absolutely do not allow a certain toy or word, it may just make it all the more desirable Sitcom zingers and one-liner jokes may seem innocuous, but they can be hurtful or create huge attitudes in real life Kids are normally meant to play with other kids, and it isn’t our job to make sure they are entertained and occupied all day Make it very clear that there will be time when you play together, and time when they can do things by themselves Having “Reading Time” together is also a great way to not only encourage reading, but also for them to learn how to be with you without expecting to be entertained the entire time Boredom is the basis for creativity When your child is being rude or sassy, you do not need to point it out - simply ask them to try again When they are acting out, you don’t want to give in or engage in negotiation - instead, acknowledge how they’re feeling, give them the emotional vocabulary to explain why they’re upset, but maintain that they still do the thing you asked them to do and thank them for it They may be acting out because they don’t have the language to express how they feel, or they are afraid you may get mad at them if they do voice their feelings Work, relationships, and parenting can drain your energy resources quickly It’s very important to rest, slow down, and pay attention to what activities feel restorative to you and your soul in this sometimes draining season of life Links: Jamie’s Homepage - http://www.jamieglowacki.com/ Oh Crap! Potty Training – https://www.amazon.com/Crap-Potty-Training-Everything-Parenting-ebook/dp/B00V3L8YSU Oh Crap! I Have A Toddler - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Oh-Crap!-I-Have-a-Toddler/Jamie-Glowacki/Oh-Crap-Parenting/9781982109738 Jamie’s Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/join/jamieglowacki? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

36. May Q&A May 13, 2021

Show notes

This month’s Q&A episode begins with a question about Redshirting (postponing entrance into kindergarten to allow extra time for social, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth). This is a controversial topic because parents can be accused of using it to give their kids an advantage, but I explain why it might actually be best to hold a child back, particularly if their birthday is close to the cutoff date. Sending kids too early can set them on a path of feeling like they’re always behind throughout their school career, not only academically, but emotionally and physically as well. I also tackle a question about healthy eating habits and the murky waters of using food as a reward. I break down why I am 100% against this practice as it creates unhealthy relationships with food, and I discuss why food should not be tied to emotions or power struggles with your kid. Finally, I look at using distractions during a tantrum - when it’s good, when it’s bad. There’s a window of opportunity when you can successfully distract your child with a change in scenery or deep breathing exercises, but if they’re past that point and you find yourself in “Juggling Fire and Spinning Plates” territory, it’s actually healthy to let kids experience their full range of emotions so that they can learn the boundaries of what’s acceptable. After all, kids need to be an asshole before they can learn how to not be an asshole. As always, I love hearing your questions and truly appreciate your patronage. Thank you for listening and keep your questions coming! The Finer Details of This Episode: Redshirting is the practice of postponing entrance into Kindergarten of age-eligible children, to allow extra time for social, emotional, intellectual or physical growth Redshirting is a controversial practice because some parents are accused of using it to give their kids an advantage Kindergarten has a much more challenging curriculum today, and is much more competitive Sending your child to Kindergarten early could set them up to always feel behind the other children as time goes on, not only academically, but physically and emotionally as well 100% against using food as a reward or punishment, as this will create a very unhealthy relationship with food moving forward Do not use dessert as currency to get your child to do expected behavior (eat a healthy dinner, use the potty) If you use food as a reward, it will often escalate to the child asking for more before they comply Try to view your child’s eating habits through a daily lens, not a meal lens - did they get a fair amount of protein, carbohydrates, and nutrients throughout the day versus in that one sitting? Make sure you’re providing age appropriate food and serving sizes so your child is not overwhelmed Create a family meal culture of not having seconds until your plate is clear, knowing you’ve given them an appropriate amount of protein and vegetables Treats should not be associated with any rewards - it’s okay to just have a treat Food should not be tied to emotions or power struggles as this can lead to picky eating or even body image issues later in life “Go To Your Room” strategy helps children learn what self-regulates them The arc of a typical toddler tantrum includes a window of opportunity where you can distract them by going outside, watching a movie, doing deep breathing Kids need to have tantrums and experience the full range of their emotions to learn boundaries of what’s acceptable and what’s not Trying to fix the feeling versus being the calm, centered parent to guide them back into their body Links: Jamie’s Homepage - http://www.jamieglowacki.com/ Oh Crap! Potty Training – https://www.amazon.com/Crap-Potty-Training-Everything-Parenting-ebook/dp/B00V3L8YSU Oh Crap! I Have A Toddler - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Oh-Crap!-I-Have-a-Toddler/Jamie-Glowacki/Oh-Crap-Parenting/9781982109738 Jamie’s Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/join/jamieglowacki? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

35. Q&A: April 2021 Edition Apr 08, 2021

Show notes

Today’s Q&A begins with a topic so many of you have asked about - positive reinforcement. Somehow along the way, parents confused positive reinforcement with offering bribes and rewards for everyday behaviors. But before you find yourself promising a trip to Disneyland for a single poop in the potty, I break down how you can recognize good behaviour without setting your kids up to feel entitled. In response to your questions about connection before correction, I’ll clarify how you can connect with your kid using short spurts of one-on-one time, and I’ll share some ideas on how to help a child who throws tantrums when they lose a game. Today’s episode also looks at screentime, and how to ease your child back to reality when it’s time to turn off Peppa Pig. Finally, I’ll discuss consequences versus punishment, the role of shame and guilt in shifting behavior, and how Gentle Parenting can actually lead to more aggression in some cases. As always, thank you for your patronage and your participation in this platform. I love your questions and getting to hear about all of your experiences on this parenting journey. I can’t wait to hear what questions you have for me next month! The Finer Details of This Episode: Effective methods to reinforce positive behaviour, like using a low pitch with your voice and offering a solid fist bump The importance of praising the effort, not the outcome Like adults, children want to be seen and validated for their effort and the work they put into something Connection before correction, and having a “bouillon cube” of one-on-one time with your child Coping with kids who throw tantrums when they lose a game - every kid goes through this phase Finding a balance with screentime boundaries, and using a bridge of attention to ease them back to reality without tantrums It is okay to sometimes allow your child to experience bad consequences or bad feelings when they do something wrong as this is how they know not to repeat the behavior Quotes: “If we don’t have boundaries, I see this sort of free fall in kids.” “They have nothing to hold them in, nothing to kick against, and therefore know that they’re safe.” “We do want to reinforce the positive, otherwise the child has no idea.” “And that leads us to positive reinforcement. Somehow along the way, I think parents got confused and this became bribery and/or rewards.” “Positive reinforcement is really just noticing the good.” “We don’t praise the outcome, we praise the effort.” “I hope you’re not stringing yourself out trying to be super connected all day long.” “Before every game, it’s wise to say, ‘Listen, people win and people lose, and that’s okay.’” “I definitely think it’s better to start making them lose early on so they get acclimated.” “Do not get trapped just because your kid throws a tantrum.” “Remember, when your kid is little, they are in the screen, so it’s really hard to just pull them away.” “It is okay for your child to feel bad about the bad thing they did.” “If they’re not responding and it’s not effective, change it.” Links: Jamie’s homepage - http://www.jamieglowacki.com/ Oh Crap! Potty Training – https://www.amazon.com/Crap-Potty-Training-Everything-Parenting-ebook/dp/B00V3L8YSU Oh Crap! I Have A Toddler - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Oh-Crap!-I-Have-a-Toddler/Jamie-Glowacki/Oh-Crap-Parenting/9781982109738 Jamie’s Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/join/jamieglowacki? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

34. Q&A: March 2021 Edition Mar 25, 2021

Show notes

It’s that time again to open up the digital mailbag, and respond to some of your questions, which I absolutely love, love, love. While some of today’s questions offer new twists on previous topics, all of them are, of course, excellent ones which I know so many are wondering about as well, so let’s dig in, shall we? Today, we’ll look at ways to handle the constant ‘I want’ requests from your kid, revisit the concept of changing the family dinner if it’s not working well currently, look at sleep and dealing with early risers, and handling the stage of combining ‘No’ with emotions. We’ll also delve into the dynamics of having an older and younger child, as well as the world of playdates especially at a friend’s house, and the importance of being an asker as opposed to a guesser. Again, I love receiving these questions so much because they reflect real life, and give me the opportunity to share real, practical advice rather than theoretical. Please keep them coming – I can’t wait for our next Q&A session! The Finer Details of This Episode: There’s no cure for sibling fighting; it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other Kids are going to be relentless in their asking Create a culture of answering your child’s requests with ‘Yes’, ‘No’, or ‘Maybe’ where ‘Maybe’ means “Probably, but it will turn to a ‘No’ if you keep asking” If you can get children talking about their ‘favorite’, you can derail just about any behavior that you’re not wanting; they’re often looking for engagement with you If your dinner time is miserable, it’s okay to fix it; you don’t need to have it the way others might Giving up a nap can help with children who wake up too early Don’t be tricked into thinking there are ‘kid night owls’ Circadian rhythms are often backwards in children with ADHD We don’t want to be ‘sportscasting’ with our kids Statements such as ‘No angry’, ‘No happy’, ‘No sad’ could actually be expressing ‘Don’t look at me/Don’t see me’ so don’t look at them in that moment; it’s a phase When you have an older and younger child, you need to cater to the older child’s needs; give them a safe space to play and create Leaving your child with another parent is based on your answer to ‘Do I feel comfortable with how the other parent disciplines and/or handles it when the shit hits the fan?’ Playdates are just a reality today; choose the people that you like and respect; clarify with the other parent about ‘trading time’ – be an asker, not a guesser; paying for child interactions happens all the time so it might be something worth considering Quotes: “What it is, is engagement.” “I’m a fan of, like, reverse engineering.” “Sleep gets conditioned by us and by the things we need to do, but toddlers don’t have that.” “Be very careful that you’re not limiting your older child because of the younger child.” “As your child gets older, you don’t have to be friends with your child’s friends’ parents, so that’s kind of a real relief.” “It’s so rare for somebody to come and grab your kid out of their yard.” “We do feel like we have to hover.” “We need parental time.” “It’s far better to be an asker, because there’s no ambiguity and there’s no mistakes.” “You need to fucking ask if there’s guns in the house. Like, that’s…a non-negotiable.” Links: Jamie’s homepage - http://www.jamieglowacki.com/ Oh Crap! Potty Training – https://www.amazon.com/Crap-Potty-Training-Everything-Parenting-ebook/dp/B00V3L8YSU Oh Crap! I Have A Toddler - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Oh-Crap!-I-Have-a-Toddler/Jamie-Glowacki/Oh-Crap-Parenting/9781982109738 Jamie’s Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/join/jamieglowacki? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

33. The Return of the Q & A – February 2021 Edition Mar 04, 2021

Show notes

This week, we’re going to move on from our trauma series, but before we do, I want to thank you all for your fantastic feedback during it. I always love our dialogue, and especially during such an important topic, so once again, thank you. As we move on today, it’s time for another Q & A to look at all the questions that have been piling up over the past month, so let’s get started. The questions this time around range from children displaying shyness, to bringing co-sleeping with your child to an end, to sibling play, and then to driving children around to help them get to sleep. We’ll also look at the age-old concern about getting children to give up their pacifier, as well as what to do when your child is in that “refusing to take ‘no’ for an answer” stage. Once more, we have a full slate of excellent questions that I know so many are wondering about, and I want to encourage you to keep them coming so that, as always, we can work together to address them. The Finer Details of This Episode: There are many different preferences regarding children who appear shy in public I have very little patience for anyone ignoring someone who is greeting them I don’t care where you sleep as long as everybody sleeps and it works for everybody The minute you cave on something, you reinforce the behavior To break co-sleeping silently return your child to their bed, prepare for a few sleepless nights, and have someone to help you with backup The pandemic seems to have fostered an attitude with some parents to allow undesirable behaviors to continue Don’t allow your child to do something that makes you dislike or resent them Many times, children need to experience the consequences of their actions before they will change their behavior Sleep is everything – the best gift you can give your kids is good sleep habits I do not like the idea of driving kids around for sleep – find out why sleep is not happening Read the chapter about dinner times in Oh Crap! I Have a Toddler, if you haven’t already, about when to have dinner in relation to bed time Under the age of 5, everyone sitting down for family dinner at the same time is not nearly as important as getting nutrition and proper sleep If you have to make exceptions to sleep routines for some reason, set a date to attend to its end Slowly giving up a transitional object (pacifier, blanky, etc.) to which your child has become attached is incredibly stressful for them – doing it quickly is much better Cutting a hole in a pacifier so it loses its ‘suck’ appeal can help in giving it up There are phases that kids go through (won’t take no for an answer, asking why, etc.) and they usually don’t last too long Establishing a response tier such as “’No’ means ‘no’, ‘yes’ means ‘yes’, and ‘maybe’ means ‘probably’ but if you keep being up my ass, it’s going to turn into a ‘no’” can prove beneficial If you’re going to cave, cave early What you continue to do, fosters the habit – if it’s not working for you, change it Quotes: “You can be shy, but you have to say ‘Hello’.” “With kids…once you start something, it’s really hard to break it…it’s a slippery slope.” “If something’s not working, change it.” “If your child is not in the right circadian rhythm, they will have a hard time falling asleep.” “They get this, like, well connected, juicy time with their kid after work instead of fighting over one more fuckin’ bite.” “If you know that you have it in you to not cave, then ‘no’ means ‘no’.” Links: Jamie’s homepage - http://www.jamieglowacki.com/ Oh Crap! Potty Training – https://www.amazon.com/Crap-Potty-Training-Everything-Parenting-ebook/dp/B00V3L8YSU Oh Crap! I Have A Toddler - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Oh-Crap!-I-Have-a-Toddler/Jamie-Glowacki/Oh-Crap-Parenting/9781982109738 Jamie’s Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/join/jamieglowacki? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

32. Seasonal Affective Disorder and Beating Those Winter Blues Jan 29, 2021

Show notes

I’m very excited to bring this episode to you today since it’s about one of my favorite topics – Seasonal Affective Disorder, the winter blues, and how to beat them. Winter was not always my favorite season, and if that’s true for you as well, today I’m going to share with you how I flipped it so it is now number one on my list. With everything that is still going on these days, this winter is bound to be a really hard one for many people, so let’s look at some of the strategies I employ that can help turn that around. We’ll begin by reviewing the fact that your attitude toward the season will show up in your kids, and then I offer some of my food and sleep suggestions that have really helped me in the past and continue to do so. Keeping expectations low or level for the holidays, and using lighting to help generate a positive mood are a couple other suggestions that we’ll explore, as well as the greatest strategy of all which is to embrace the outdoors and stay out with your kids as much as humanly possible. I have some tried and true clothing and activity recommendations that will help you achieve this, and I truly hope that you will be able to find the good things that winter has to offer and celebrate them with your kids. Naturally, if you are experiencing a massive depression due to the season, be sure to speak with your doctor, but if you are simply looking for a ‘mood boost’, today’s episode has a lot of great ideas for you. Don’t suffer – experience all the joy that this winter can bring! The Finer Details of This Episode: If you don’t like winter, you will see the same in your kids Going into the winter, I’m careful about food and sleep If you live in a place that experiences pretty harsh winters, you are going to be low in Vitamin D I keep up on Vitamin C, D and Zinc, bone broth, root vegetables Lowering the expectations around holidays can help I use a lot of twinkle lighting around the house Stay outside as much as possible Buy the right outdoor gear for you so you can stay outside with your kids Outlets are amazing for outdoor gear Smartwool is the best but it is expensive For kids: buy overalls for snow pants, Hannah Anderson stuff is great, mittens are warmer than gloves – buy lots in the same color, don’t buy cotton clothes, buy waterproof items, have extras if you can, OAKI rain gear is fabulous When the weather switches over to cold, change over your kid’s closet to winter clothes Get involved in winter sports like snowboarding, ice skating, snowshoeing, cross country skiing Try to look forward to all the things that are good about winter Full spectrum light bulbs can help Quotes: “I do think kids are affected by their parents’ mood and their parents’ winter blues.” “I don’t want that massive sugar crash after the holidays.” “I can feel, like, my body go into storage-mode.” “Us moms are the fuckin’ worst about winter self-care and clothing.” “If you are happy in the cold, your kid will be happy in the cold.” “I have fat ski pants and I have skinny ski pants.” “Eliminate all your kid’s bitching.” “Snowboarding changed my life…it’s like dancing on a surfboard.” “If I break my leg ice skating, I’d be so pissed.” “Try to like winter.” Links: Jamie’s homepage - http://www.jamieglowacki.com/ Oh Crap! Potty Training – https://www.amazon.com/Crap-Potty-Training-Everything-Parenting-ebook/dp/B00V3L8YSU Oh Crap! I Have A Toddler - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Oh-Crap!-I-Have-a-Toddler/Jamie-Glowacki/Oh-Crap-Parenting/9781982109738 Jamie’s Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/join/jamieglowacki? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

31. The No Crap! 2020 Gift Guide Nov 27, 2020

Show notes

It’s that time of year again when we start thinking about gifts for the upcoming holiday season (if you haven’t already), so welcome to this year’s Gift Guide as curated by Jenn and myself. You know that I’m all about gifts that inspire learning and using the whole brain and the whole body, and that’s precisely the type of gifts you’ll find on our list here today. In addition to the list, I’ll also share some information about the perennial issue about gifts from relatives who want the credit that comes from your kid’s big reactions on the day, as well as some ideas about how to bring the intensity of the holiday down while increasing its overall enjoyment. Naturally, we’ll go through the Gift Guide, which you can find in the links section below, and I’ll offer my own commentary on the selections as we go along. Most important of all, I need you to remember that, particularly in this unprecedented year, you need to do ‘whatever the fuck you want to do this Christmas’, and to please never forget to reach out if you find you need help given the potential overwhelm of the season. With the pandemic continuing, this is going to be a long winter, so be sure to keep your mental and physical health a top priority throughout. I sincerely hope that today’s episode marks one step toward helping to achieve that. The Finer Details of This Episode: · Grandparents want the credit for gifts that their grandkids will absolutely love · Create ‘hygge’ · Our $5 Christmas was one of our best ever · You have permission to jack the holidays way up or bring them way down · Check out the Gift Guide in the links section below · You can make marble runs out of many things (ex. pool noodles, molding, etc) · Don’t overstretch yourself this year financially · Make sure you and your kids are geared up for playing outside no matter what the weather – Hanna Andersson snowsuits are phenomenal · Subscription gifts can be problematic when it comes to renewal issues · Check for scams or complaints about companies before ordering any of their products · Make mental and physical health a priority Quotes: “If you have too much stuff, you’re going to get butterfly play…you want less stuff because it opens up deeper play.” “If my house and my space are too cluttered, I get too cluttered.” “You guys are going to want to be outside as much as humanly possible.” “I’m really into functional fitness.” “Take care of yourself, take care of your kids, take care of your mental health as well as your physical health.” Links: Jamie’s homepage - http://www.jamieglowacki.com/ Oh Crap! Potty Training – https://www.amazon.com/Crap-Potty-Training-Everything-Parenting-ebook/dp/B00V3L8YSU Oh Crap! I Have A Toddler - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Oh-Crap!-I-Have-a-Toddler/Jamie-Glowacki/Oh-Crap-Parenting/9781982109738 Jamie’s Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/join/jamieglowacki? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

30. Pediatric Pelvic Floor Therapy and Potty Training with Quiara Smith, MOT OTR/L Nov 05, 2020

Show notes

Today, I am so excited to have Quiara Smith, MOT OTR/L, join me on the podcast . As a pediatric pelvic health occupational therapist, Quiara specializes in treating pelvic floor dysfunction, toileting/elimination disorders, and bowel and bladder dysfunction in children between the ages of 4-18 years old both through her Aloha Integrative Therapy Clinic and telehealth services. She has a lot to share and clears up a few mysteries along the way, so prepare to have your mind blown! Quiara begins by sharing just what exactly the pelvic floor is, the many potential causes for dysfunction in this area, and what the symptoms of these dysfunctions show up as. She also describes the reasons why she would become involved in working with a child, the impact of the sensory system in children, and the holistic and non-invasive approach she employs in her work. We then discuss the role that core muscles, and the need to develop them in children, play in potty training, and explore some recommendations for building these muscles, some strategies for parents to implement, and the ways in which Quiara helps children and parents through her telehealth services. As you’ll discover, we could have talked on and on about these important topics which make such a huge difference in the life of the child and the parent, and you’ll certainly see why I want to have Quiara join us again to share even more wisdom and solve even more mysteries to help our kids. The Finer Details of This Episode: There are many potential causes for pelvic floor dysfunction and they should be addressed as early as possible Symptoms can present in a number of ways including, abdominal pain, picky eating, reflux, wetting the bed, fecal leaking, but mainly in toileting troubles You have to take a holistic approach to dealing with these issues Pediatric pelvic floor therapists use non-invasive evidence-based approaches to helping children Core muscle challenges will affect a child’s ability to coordinate their pelvic floor to void pee or poo A lack of variety in movement, especially in play, is impacting children’s development of gross motor skills and strength Some strategies that parents can implement immediately to help support pelvic health are having the child sit properly on the toilet, sit after a meal (for those who’ve had trouble for years), push to begin and then relax by breathing in Quotes: “Releasing poop is a really huge deal.” “If you can’t get enough water or enough, like, fibrous foods because you’re a picky eater, you’re going to be more prone to constipation.” “There’s a rich dialogue happening in your kid’s body.” “Your kid holds their tension in their butt.” “I found that this has strengthened the bond between the child and the caregiver because you’re doing therapeutic touch – that’s what I like to call it.” “I’m here to help you through this challenging moment, but it also could be very beautiful and very kind of sacred in a way.” “Continence is a huge thing that they have to deal with, and once that starts resolving, you see this transformation of not only the child but the parents and the caregivers. It’s phenomenal and that’s why I do what I do.” Links: Jamie’s homepage - http://www.jamieglowacki.com/ Oh Crap! Potty Training – https://www.amazon.com/Crap-Potty-Training-Everything-Parenting-ebook/dp/B00V3L8YSU Oh Crap! I Have A Toddler - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Oh-Crap!-I-Have-a-Toddler/Jamie-Glowacki/Oh-Crap-Parenting/9781982109738 Jamie’s Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/join/jamieglowacki? Aloha Integrative Therapy: Homepage: https://alohaintegrativetherapy.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alohaintegrativetherapy/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alohaintegrativetherapy/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

29. Emergency Episode: Back to School Choices Aug 17, 2020

Show notes

Jamie discusses options available to parents who are gearing up to send their children back to school Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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