Wattle Tree Therapy

17/11/2025

Sensory dysregulation leads to nervous system dysregulation, because your sensory systems are part of your nervous system; your nerves, brainstem and brain.

The good news is, that means we can use our sensory systems to calm our nervous system.

Follow along on my journey to become a sensory regulated parent!

Michelle 🌿
Paediatric + Parent Support Occupational Therapist

15/11/2025

15/11/2025

In my experience, as a sensitive Mum with sensory needs, and as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist for the past 16 years…

I can’t ignore that parents and educators have sensory needs too.

I offer sensory assessments and support to parents, with the aim of bringing more regulation to your family life.

Michelle 🌿
Paediatric + Parent Support OT

12/11/2025

Self care lives in a sweet spot between caring for others and caring for only ourselves.

If we sacrifice our own needs for others, it’s not self care.

If we are completely self absorbed, it’s not self care.

Self care is simply honouring our own needs. That happens in a balance of choosing ourselves, and supporting other people.

I’m on a mission to use sensory regulation to be the best parent I can be. Join me on my journey!

Michelle 🌿
Paediatric + Parent Support OT

08/11/2025

Some kids and adults will feel all the things… the itchy shirt tag, the sock seams. And others won’t consciously notice these sensations.

But either way, everyone’s brain processes this information.

All day, our brain has makes hundreds of decisions, is carrying the mental load, and works hard to process every single sensory experience.

Is it any wonder that sometimes we are dysregulated, or touched-out by the end of the day?

Michelle 🌿
Paediatric + Parent Support OT

07/11/2025

Interoception is your INNER SENSE.

Interoception gives you messages about your body, emotions and your wellbeing.

This is everything from hunger, thirst, tiredness, and emotional states.

Using your interoception can help you:
👉🏽 Notice your needs
👉🏽 Meet your needs
👉🏽 Regulate your body and emotions
👉🏽 Help your child with their regulation too

Join me on my journey to become a sensory regulated parent!

Michelle 🌿
Paediatric + Parent Support Occupational Therapist

03/11/2025

A mismatch in sensory needs. It happens every day in my house. Usually I’m able to stay calm, but there’s times when it’s hard.

It’s usually me that wants less: noise, movement, touch, mess. I’m tired. 😪 Meanwhile, my kids are full of vibrant energy! ✨

We are so used to thinking about sensory needs and sensory strategies for children. But I’m on a mission to use them to regulate as a Mum and an OT.

Maybe you can relate? And maybe what I try might work for you too.

Michelle 🌿
Paediatric + Parent Support OT

02/11/2025

Those looks in public when your child runs between tables at the restaurant. The ‘tsk tsk’ when they squeal in a quiet place.

Society has a way of shaming parents into squashing kids’ behaviours. The way this happens is through judgement of parents. Then parents quickly shut down the behaviour with discipline and control - because, we want to get out of that shame and judgement asap.

But at the root? Is often unmet or mismatched sensory needs. A kid who needs to move and wants noise. And adults who need more stillness and quiet.

What if we could support kids and parents to meet their sensory needs? That is my mission!

Michelle 🌿
Paediatric + Parent Support OT