#404 - Should Schools Take Away Recess? Why It Can Backfire

Recess is often the first thing to go when kids are struggling at school. But what if taking it away is actually making things worse?In this episode, we break down why recess is not a reward and should never be used as a punishment. From a sensory and nervous system perspective, movement is one of the most important tools kids have to regulate, focus, and learn throughout the day.We talk about what a typical school day looks like today and how different it is from previous generations. Many kids are spending hours sitting, working on computers, and getting very little movement. For some students, recess may be the only time all day they have the opportunity to run, play, socialize, and reset their nervous system.This episode walks through what’s actually happening in the brain and body during recess, including the role of movement, social play, emotional regulation, stress reduction, and even digestion. We also discuss why the kids who “struggle the most” are often the ones who need recess the most, and how removing it can create a cycle of more dysregulation, more behavior challenges, and more frustration for everyone involved.We’ll also share practical ways to think differently about discipline and motivation in the classroom, along with simple strategies that support regulation without removing movement. From adding movement into the school day to advocating for your child through an IEP or 504 plan, this conversation is all about supporting kids in a way that actually works.Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode resonated, share it with a teacher, parent, or school team member who cares about supporting kids in a more effective way.We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Best Part Multivitaminhttps://bestpartkids.com/ Shop our OT Month Sale!https://harkla.co/pages/ot-month-saleEnter the Autism Acceptance Month Giveaway!https://harkla.co/All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses 

There are a few phrases I hear over and over again from parents, usually right after they’ve tried everything and nothing worked. If you’ve ever been told things like “they just need more discipline” or “they’ll grow out of it,” this episode is for you.In this episode, I share my perspective as a certified occupational therapy assistant and primitive reflex clinical specialist, reacting to common parenting advice I hear all the time. This isn’t about calling that advice wrong. It’s about understanding what might be missing when we don’t consider a child’s sensory system and nervous system.I’ll walk through familiar phrases like “ignore it and it’ll stop,” “they just need to get used to it,” and “all kids need the same routines,” and explain why these approaches can sometimes fall short. I share how behavior is often rooted in regulation, how sensory needs shape a child’s response to everyday situations, and why the same strategy can work for one child and completely backfire for another.Throughout the episode, you’ll hear practical reframes that help shift from reacting to behavior to understanding what the nervous system actually needs. I also share how I filter parenting advice as a COTA, including the questions I ask before recommending any strategy and why trusting what you’re seeing in your own child matters more than following one-size-fits-all advice.This conversation is a reminder that most parenting advice isn’t wrong, it’s just incomplete. When you start looking at your child through a sensory lens, things begin to make a lot more sense.Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode made you feel a little more confident in trusting your instincts, share it with someone who’s been second-guessing their parenting lately.LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Shop our OT Month Sale!https://harkla.co/pages/ot-month-saleEnter the Autism Acceptance Month Giveaway!https://harkla.co/All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses 

Have you ever wondered why your child seems “fine” all day at school… and then completely falls apart at home? In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s really going on through a sensory lens.We walk through what sensory integration actually means in everyday life, how the brain receives, organizes, and responds to sensory input, and why this process can look very different from child to child. We talk about the difference between being over-responsive, under-responsive, and sensory seeking, and how each of those patterns can show up in behavior, emotions, and daily routines.You’ll also hear a clear, practical explanation of all eight sensory systems, including the three “hidden” senses (vestibular, proprioception, and interoception) that play a huge role in regulation, body awareness, and emotional responses.One of the most important takeaways from this episode is understanding how sensory input builds up throughout the day. Many kids are holding it together in structured environments like school, but by the time they get home, their nervous system is overwhelmed, which is why after-school meltdowns are so common.We also talk about how to tell the difference between sensory quirks and sensory challenges that are actually impacting daily life, why behavior is often communication, and how small, proactive strategies throughout the day can make a big difference in preventing dysregulation later on.This episode is all about helping you see your child and yourself through a new lens, so you can better understand what’s really driving behavior and how to support regulation in a more intentional way.Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode gave you a new perspective, share it with someone who’s navigating after-school meltdowns or trying to better understand sensory processing.LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Sensory Preferences Checklisthttps://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1380/9417/files/Copy_of_Mod_3_5_Child_Sensory_Preferences.pdf?v=1729447315Shop our OT Month Sale!https://harkla.co/pages/ot-month-saleEnter the Autism Acceptance Month Giveaway!https://harkla.co/pages/aam-giveaway All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses 

In this episode, I share some honest reflections on pediatrician visits - what’s working, what could be improved, and what families truly need more of in those early appointments. This isn’t about criticizing pediatricians, but about opening up the conversation and advocating for better support for babies, kids, and their families.I walk through common phrases like “wait and see” or “they’ll grow out of it,” and why those approaches can sometimes delay important support. I'll also share my personal experience navigating torticollis with my son, feeding, and development and highlight how early intervention, referrals, and education can make a significant difference.I also share what I wish pediatric visits included more of - like education on tummy time, crawling, primitive reflexes, messy play, nutrition, lactation support, and trusted referrals to specialists like OT, PT, and lactation consultants.This episode is ultimately about empowering parents to ask questions, trust their instincts, and advocate for the support their child needs.Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode resonated, share it with a new or expecting parent who’s navigating those early pediatrician visits.LINKS⁠What To Ask Your Doctor Checklist⁠⁠https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1380/9417/files/WhatToAskYourDoctor_Checklist__EP_145_Freebie_1.pdf⁠ We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses 

There has been growing conversation around proposed legislation that would require children to be toilet trained before enrolling in kindergarten. In this episode, we take a thoughtful look at what these policies mean from a developmental and occupational therapy perspective.We talk about what the proposed Kansas bill would require, how states like Utah already define “toilet trained,” and the gray area that can exist for children who may not yet have an official diagnosis but are still struggling with toileting for medical, sensory, or developmental reasons.Throughout the conversation, we discuss the many factors that can affect toileting development in young children, including pelvic floor dysfunction, constipation, encopresis, sensory processing differences, interoception challenges, anxiety, and major life changes that can lead to regression. We also look at the real-world challenges schools face when supporting young students and why toileting independence can’t always be viewed as a simple behavior or discipline issue.This episode is not about debating policy. Instead, it’s about understanding child development, recognizing how complex toileting readiness can be, and considering how families, schools, and healthcare professionals can better support kids who are still developing these skills.Thanks for listening 🩷If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a parent, teacher, or therapist navigating potty training or school readiness.LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Read more about the Kansas bill:https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/02/kansas-bill-would-require-kindergarteners-to-be-potty-trained-before-starting-school/ All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses 

Today’s episode is a special one because we’re introducing someone new to the podcast. If you’ve been listening for a while, you know our mission has always been to support families, therapists, and educators with practical, real-life strategies rooted in occupational therapy.As the Harkla team continues to grow, we’re excited to welcome Amanda, our new co-host and in-house occupational therapist to the podcast. In this episode, you’ll hear more about her journey into occupational therapy, the different settings she’s worked in, and the perspective she brings from both early intervention and school-based practice. Amanda shares about working directly in classrooms with children and families, the challenges she sees most often in schools today, and her knowledge of potty training and pediatric pelvic floor health. We’re so excited for this next chapter of the podcast and can’t wait for you to get to know Amanda in upcoming episodes.Thanks for listening 🩷 We’d love to hear from you! What questions would you like Amanda to answer in a future episode?We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Amanda’s Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/yourpediatricot/ All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses 

Today’s episode is a little different. We’re sharing an important update about the podcast, our team, and what’s coming next as we move into a new season of All Things Sensory. We talk about Jessica’s decision to step away from her role as co-host and return to the clinic full time, why this transition feels meaningful for her, and what this change means for the future of the podcast. While this marks the end of an era, the mission of the podcast remains the same.Rachel also shares a personal reflection on working alongside Jessica over the years, how the podcast has grown since it launched in 2018, and why this transition is both bittersweet and exciting. Plus, we tease what’s coming next, including solo episodes, and a new OT co-host you may already know!Thanks for listening 🩷 We’d love to hear your favorite Jessica moments, what topics you want covered next, or your guesses about our new co-host.We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 History of the Podcast - Joining Harkla ​​https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/bonus-announcement Jessica’s Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/jessicaaaa_atlarge/ All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses 

Can supplements actually support kids with sensory processing challenges? In this episode, we take a research-based look at supplements commonly recommended for sensory processing disorder and neurodivergent individuals. We talk honestly about what science does (and doesn’t) say.In this episode, you’ll learn:What sensory processing disorder is and how it impacts daily lifeWhy supplements are becoming more common in the sensory worldWhich nutrients show the most promise in current researchWhy quality, testing, and sourcing of supplements really matterHow to safely explore supplements without overwhelming your childThanks for listening 🩷 If this episode got you thinking, share it with a parent or therapist navigating sensory supports.LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Article Referenced in Episode:https://sfihealth.com/news/can-supplements-help-children-with-sensory-processing-difficultiesSPD Info: 10 Facts About Sensory Processing Disorderhttps://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/277-10-facts-about-sensory-processing-disorderWhat is Sensory Processing Disorder?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fE476Zlyio Navigating SPD Digital Coursehttps://harkla.co/products/navigating-sensory-processing-disorder Research:Mineral-Vitamin Treatment Linked to Sustained Remission of ADHD Symptomshttps://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/cap.2019.0036Potential Role of L-Carnitine in Autism Spectrum Disorderhttps://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/10/6/1202Phosphatidylserine's effect on memory and ADHD symptomshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23495677/Association of feeding/mealtime behavior issues with internalizing/externalizing problems in children with autismhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30761818/Sensory processing patterns in children with ASD and ADHDhttps://mecp.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43045-024-00441-6Get More Content:All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses 

What if movement was built into the school day instead of saved for recess? In this episode, we’re talking about how retained primitive reflexes can impact emotional regulation in the classroom and sharing three simple, powerful activities teachers can use with the entire class.In this episode, you’ll learn:What primitive reflexes are and why they matter for learning and behaviorHow retained reflexes can show up as anxiety, dysregulation, or inattentionThe connection between the Moro, STNR, and ATNR and emotional regulationThree easy, classroom-friendly movements to support regulation and focusHow short, consistent movement breaks can change the feel of the entire classroomThanks for listening 🩷 If you’re a teacher or therapist, try one of these movements with your group and tell us what you notice.LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses 

Making friends can be hard, and for neurodivergent kids, the path to connection often looks a little different. This episode was inspired by a question from Instagram and dives into practical, compassionate ways to support social connection without forcing kids to fit into a mold that doesn’t work for them.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why friendship can be more challenging for neurodivergent kidsHow sensory processing, executive function, and communication impact social skillsWhy quality of connection matters more than the number of friendsOT-informed strategies to support social interaction in safe, structured waysHow to build friendships by leaning into a child’s strengths and interestsThanks for listening 🩷 If this episode resonated, share it with a parent or therapist supporting a neurodivergent child.LINKSWe’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses