In this episode of Growing Strong Roots, occupational therapist Lee-Anne Bloom explores the importance of consent and communication when using touch with children, especially those who are sensory sensitive or have trauma histories. She explains how different kinds of touch activate the nervous system and why some children may react instinctively with fight, flight, or shutdown responses. Through real examples and practical strategies, Lee-Anne highlights how caregivers can use touch to build trust, co-regulate, and support emotional development. She discusses the difference between reacting and responding, and how repeated safe experiences can shift a child’s sensory processing over time. The episode also offers simple communication systems families can use to help children express what feels good, what doesn’t, and how to advocate for their bodies.

Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction to podcast 00:00:27 Parenting challenges and mission 00:00:50 Growing stronger together 00:00:58 Introducing topic of consent and touch 00:01:17 Importance of communication and skilled touch 00:01:42 Proceed with awareness for sensitive kids 00:02:09 Light touch can be alerting or irritating 00:02:38 Real example of defensive reaction 00:03:01 Deep pressure as grounding and calming 00:03:30 Tools for co-regulation in the clinic 00:03:55 Weighted tools and ball squishes 00:04:28 Why touch affects the nervous system 00:05:20 Instinctive responses and brain pathways 00:06:12 Rewiring through repeated safe touch 00:06:34 Difference between reacting and responding 00:07:26 Temperament and trauma influence touch perception 00:08:18 Importance and controversy around therapeutic touch 00:08:44 Touch builds trust and physiological change 00:09:08 Intention behind touch matters 00:09:29 Establishing communication systems 00:10:02 Observing body language and emotional cues 00:10:28 Using rough and tumble play to teach feedback 00:10:49 Predictable touch builds safety 00:11:15 Modeling signals and responses 00:11:52 Teaching children to interpret body reactions 00:12:15 Individualizing sensory tools with OT support 00:12:36 Touch as calming or alerting 00:13:00 Asking for consent and reading cues 00:13:34 Choosing touch based on current state 00:14:02 Combining touch with other regulation supports 00:14:30 Gathering observations throughout the week 00:14:50 Sharing insights with caregivers 00:15:09 Website resources and research links 00:15:25 Closing and invitation to connect