In this episode of STEPS Together, Debra Johnson, MS, OTR/L, explores what it really means to “work too hard” as a parent or caregiver—not in chores or daily tasks, but emotionally. When we try to control every behavior, feeling, or outcome, we often end up drained, stressed, and disconnected from our children. Instead of striving for control, there’s a different path: focusing on what is really yours to control and fostering connection. Tune in to learn how letting go of what’s not yours to carry can reduce your stress, strengthen your relationship with your child, and create space for both of you to grow.

Supporting a child with unique needs comes with layers most people never see — balancing school meetings, therapy sessions, sensory needs, and emotional ups and downs, all while trying to connect and guide. It’s a constant juggle of time, energy, and emotions that can leave you feeling misunderstood, second-guessing yourself, and wondering if you’re doing enough. Whether you are a parent, educator, childcare provider or healthcare professional you know how hard it is to be present and "on" for a child with different needs.

In this episode, I See You: Acknowledging the Hard Work Behind Every Step Forward, we take a compassionate, judgment-free look at the reality of working closely with children whose needs go beyond the expected. You’ll hear a powerful reminder that struggling doesn’t mean failing — it means you’re human, showing up in ways the rest of the world may never fully see.

We’ll reframe self-criticism into recognition of effort, exploring how “trying” — whether it’s taking a deep breath before responding, researching new strategies, showing up for therapy, or simply being present during a hard moment — is success in motion. We’ll also uncover the hidden wins that matter most: building trust, modeling resilience, and helping children grow one step at a time.

You’ll walk away with practical strategies to keep learning and growing without burning out, from focusing on one change at a time to giving yourself the same compassion you offer the children in your care. Because supporting kids isn’t about perfection — it’s about alignment, connection, and the courage to keep going.

By the end, you’ll be reminded: You are not failing. You are trying. You are learning. And that is enough.

You can grab your PDF of self-care ideas and positive affirmations here: https://steps-for-development.kit.com/34f1b3365b

"Why won't they just listen?!" If you've found yourself asking this question (maybe even more than once today), you are NOT alone! In this episode, I explore what adults really mean when they say "they don't listen," unpack what really going on for the child, and identify a few simple strategies that you can implement today to shift that behavior and improve cooperation. From executive function challenges and sensory processing differences, to emotional regulation and language processing disorders, there's often much more beneath the surface that has nothing to do with defiance.

So, let's start shifting from being frustrated at lack of follow through or kids "doing whatever they want" by using practical strategies that really work - rooted in developmental approaches and based on neuroscience. I'll talk about ways to truly engage your child's attention, how to adjust your communication style to fit your child's needs, and why co-regulation is often more effective than correction. If you're ready to stop repeating yourself, eliminate the power struggles and start building understanding for real change, this episode is for you!

When your child is overwhelmed, crying, yelling or shutting down, it can feel impossible to know what to do. But what if I told you that the most powerful tool isn't a strategy, sensory activity or consequence?

Is this episode, we'll explore the power we as adults have in supporting children when they are dysregulated. Your calm presence can help regulate your child's nervous system during moments of emotional distress. You'll learn what's really going in your child's brain when those big feelings take over, how the limbic system hijacks logical thinking, and what you can do regain calm.

I'll break down what co-regulation really looks like in everyday parenting moments and how to use connection, empathy and a few simple shifts in your approach to guide your child back to calm. You'll hear practical ideas for how to work towards being proactive in self-regulation and get a whole of encouragement to keep going and practice those skills!

No matter what role you have in a child's life - parenting, educating, caregiving, or providing therapy, you'll find this episode offers practical support for helping you connect, co-regulate and carry-on together.

Start Strong! The Value of a Strength-Based Approach to Support Development

In this episode of STEPS Together, we’re diving into the heart of what makes our work truly transformational—a strength-based approach to supporting children’s growth and development. You’ll learn what a strength-based model really is and why it’s essential for meaningful progress.

We’ll walk through three powerful reasons this approach matters:

1. It builds a positive mindset and nurtures compassionate relationships.
2. It helps children grow skills in ways that are developmentally appropriate.
3. It boosts a child’s confidence and sense of competence.

To bring this to life, I’ll share real-world stories from my work as a pediatric occupational therapist—moments when a shift in focus helped a child move from struggle to success.

Whether you're a parent, therapist, or educator, this episode will give you a fresh lens to start strong—not with what’s “wrong,” but with what’s possible.

In this episode, we dive into one of the most misunderstood areas of child development—behavior. If you've ever felt stuck trying to manage your child’s challenging behaviors using strategies that just don’t seem to work, this is for you.

You’ll learn why common approaches often oversimplify what’s really going on, and how taking a developmental, relational lens can create lasting change. We’ll explore what truly influences behavior—from nervous system regulation and skill development to sensory needs, emotional safety, and environment—and why problem solving proactively is so important.

This “behavior primer” introduces a new framework for understanding and supporting your child that goes beyond managing behavior to nurturing growth, connection, and success for both the child and the adults who care for them.

Welcome to the first episode of STEPS Together, the STEPS for Development podcast with practical support for adults who are nurturing children's growth and development. In this episode I share a bit about my background and journey both personally and professionally, leading to the creation of STEPS for Development. You'll learn about the core foundations that make the STEPS for Development approach successful for adults who want to support child development effectively and how "thinking like a therapist" will empower you to know your child better, problem solve for practical solutions and choose the right tool for each situation. I'm Debra Johnson, pediatric occupational therapist, coach and educator and I'm glad your here!