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In this episode of While You Grow, OTD students Karina Antonio and Britney Lee join host and fellow OTD student Addison Powell to discuss their fieldwork experiences in outpatient pediatrics. They share real-world insights, including the challenges they faced, the rewarding moments that made it all worth it, and key takeaways for students entering this setting. Tune in for practical tips, advice on navigating fieldwork, and a candid look at the highs and lows of working in pediatric occupational therapy.

Don't miss this conversation filled with valuable lessons for future OTs!

Thank you for listening! Please share and comment. Follow us on Instagram and X @whileyougrowot and subscribe to our YouTube channel @whileyougrowot. You can also find the show notes and research on our website. You can also visit our podcast website on Buzzsprout https://www.buzzsprout.com/2446918.

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Tummy time, it is more than just a milestone; it is a foundation for your child’s development! In this episode of While You Grow, we welcome Dr. Allie Turner, OTD, OTR/L, to break down everything parents need to know about tummy time.

Why is tummy time so important? How much is enough? And what can you do if your baby hates it? Allie answers these common concerns and shares expert tips to make tummy time easier and more enjoyable for both babies and caregivers. We will also discuss how tummy time supports motor skills, sensory development, and even future handwriting abilities!

Whether you’re a new parent, caregiver, or pediatric professional, this episode is packed with practical advice to help little ones grow strong and thrive.

Show Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iZYGnRO1BSITJqDvumJwhGDfqDFBTj1kIw3HDz3ylN4/edit?usp=drive_link

Thank you for listening! Please share and comment. Follow us on Instagram and X @whileyougrowot and subscribe to our YouTube channel @whileyougrowot. You can also find the show notes and research on our website. You can also visit our podcast website on Buzzsprout https://www.buzzsprout.com/2446918.

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Resilience isn’t just built in the battlefield, it starts in childhood. In this episode of While You Grow, we sit down with Dutch Moyer, a tier one operator veteran with firsthand experience in overcoming adversity, adapting to challenges, and building mental toughness. Together, we explore what resilience looks like in children, how parents and caregivers can foster it, and why it’s a crucial skill for navigating life’s obstacles.

From teaching kids problem-solving and self-regulation to the power of strong role models, Dutch shares his insights on grit, perseverance, and mental strength, lessons drawn from both military service and everyday life. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just curious about raising strong, confident kids, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways.

Tune in for a compelling discussion on how to help the next generation face challenges with courage and confidence. Don’t miss it!

Disclaimer: This episode of While You Grow includes discussions on resilience, overcoming adversity, and bullying. Our goal is to provide education and support for parents, caregivers, and professionals. The views and experiences shared by our guest, Dutch Moyer, reflect his personal insights and do not constitute medical or professional advice. We recognize that these topics may be sensitive, and we encourage listeners to seek support if needed. Thank you for joining us in this important conversation.

Dutch Moyer -- @dutchchrismoyeractual

Show Notes: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A-P1vMeVHVpi0OmMl5SoFQbXJQg2pNHc/view?usp=drive_link

Thank you for listening! Please share and comment. Follow us on Instagram and X @whileyougrowot and subscribe to our YouTube channel @whileyougrowot. You can also find the show notes and research on our website. You can also visit our podcast website on Buzzsprout https://www.buzzsprout.com/2446918.

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In this special episode of While You Grow, we’re diving into the origins of the While You Grow program with its founder, Emily Waller. What started as a toy initiative designed to support child development in rural communities has grown into a powerful program making a real difference for children and families. Emily shares the inspiration behind the project, the challenges of providing resources to underserved areas, and how developmental play can shape a child’s future. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about accessibility, innovation, and the power of play in childhood development.

Thank you for listening! Please share and comment. Follow us on Instagram and X @whileyougrowot and subscribe to our YouTube channel @whileyougrowot. You can also find the show notes and research on our website. You can also visit our podcast website on Buzzsprout https://www.buzzsprout.com/2446918.

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In this episode of While You Grow, we sit down with Travis Heaton, a parent of a child with Down syndrome, an occupational therapy assistant (OTA), and a business owner. Travis shares his personal journey—offering insights into the joys and challenges of raising a child with Down syndrome, how his professional background in OT influences his parenting, and what led him to start his own business. Whether you’re a parent, therapist, or someone passionate about childhood development, this conversation is filled with wisdom, encouragement, and practical takeaways. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on advocacy, therapy, and the power of lived experience.

Show Notes:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AyZ80x1qmOHNKoq_Y3NQsom6tRKIpDBa/view?usp=drive_link

Thank you for listening! Please share and comment. Follow us on Instagram and X @whileyougrowot and subscribe to our YouTube channel @whileyougrowot. You can also find the show notes and research on our website. You can also visit our podcast website on Buzzsprout https://www.buzzsprout.com/2446918.

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In this episode of While You Grow, we dive into the critical role of developmental milestones in early childhood. Dr. Courtney Addison and Addison Powell explore what milestones are, why they matter, and how parents and professionals can support children in reaching them. We’ll discuss trusted milestone resources, how to identify potential delays, and when to seek early intervention.

We’ll also take a deep dive into the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, 3rd Edition (PDMS-3)—a widely used assessment tool by occupational therapists. Learn how the Peabody helps evaluate fine and gross motor skills, what the results mean, and how they inform intervention strategies.

Whether you're a parent, therapist, or educator, this episode is packed with insights to help children grow and thrive. Tune in to learn how to track progress, access reliable resources, and support every child’s unique developmental journey!

Show Notes:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C4XKEX8-6nA5Ureth4QO3CDGsCWOAAx9/view?usp=drive_link

Thank you for listening! Please share and comment. Follow us on Instagram and X @whileyougrowot and subscribe to our YouTube channel @whileyougrowot. You can also find the show notes and research on our website. You can also visit our podcast website on Buzzsprout https://www.buzzsprout.com/2446918.

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Parent involvement is key to a child’s success in therapy, but getting buy-in for treatment plans and home exercises can be challenging. In this episode of While You Grow, Dr. Courtney Addison and Addison Powell discuss strategies for building strong parent-therapist partnerships, making therapy feel doable at home, and ensuring consistency for better outcomes.

Learn how to communicate effectively, set realistic expectations, and empower parents to become active participants in their child’s progress.

Show Notes:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GJ9Bi3EU6sMqfPoeiXhhwWbq8br3qX4B/view?usp=drive_link

Thank you for listening! Please share and comment. Follow us on Instagram and X @whileyougrowot and subscribe to our YouTube channel @whileyougrowot. You can also find the show notes and research on our website. You can also visit our podcast website on Buzzsprout https://www.buzzsprout.com/2446918.

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Play is essential for childhood development, but excessive screen time is changing the way kids engage and learn. In this episode of While You Grow, Dr. Courtney Addison and Addison Powell welcome Dr. Christine Boone, an expert in pediatric occupational therapy, to discuss how play builds crucial skills and the effects of screen time on motor, social, and cognitive growth.

Join us for expert insights, practical strategies, and tips on fostering balanced, meaningful play.

Detailed show notes and research:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X1j8jmRGHoPCEuBAWZW5wIzJz2dz070F/view?usp=drive_link

Thank you for listening! Please share and comment. Follow us on Instagram and X @whileyougrowot and subscribe to our YouTube channel @whileyougrowot. You can also find the show notes and research on our website. You can also visit our podcast website on Buzzsprout https://www.buzzsprout.com/2446918.