64. Preparing to Gather  through a Sensory Emotional Lens

<p>As we head into the holiday season, many families look forward to connection, tradition, and togetherness — but for sensory-emotional kids (and the adults who love them), this time can also bring overwhelm, unpredictability, and big feelings.</p><p> </p><p>In today’s episode, we’re sharing practical tools to help your family enjoy Thanksgiving rather than simply get through it. We’ll explore perspective shifts, whole-family strategies, and support tailored to each Sensory Emotional Personality (SEP) within the Sensory Emotional Engagement Frame of Reference developed by Michele Parkins.</p><p> </p><p>Whether you’re hosting, traveling, navigating big feelings, or supporting a child who experiences the world differently, this episode offers grounding, compassionate guidance for a more regulated and connected holiday.</p><p> </p><p>In this episode, you’ll discover:</p><p> </p><ul><li><p>How a simple daily practice of sharing hopes, worries, and anticipated events builds safety, alignment, and emotional connection — especially during unpredictable holiday routines.</p></li><li><p>Why modeling apologies, practicing accountability, and using AnnMarie’s family “reset button” can reduce shame and support co-regulation when miscommunications or big feelings happen.</p></li><li><p>The importance of bringing safe foods, protecting sleep routines when possible, and preserving what supports your child’s (and your!) regulation.</p></li><li><p>Practical tips for supporting each Sensory Emotional Personality (SEP) throughout the Thanksgiving experience.</p></li></ul><p> </p><p>Holidays don’t have to feel chaotic — connection grows from regulation, predictability, and teamwork. Preparing together as a family strengthens emotional resilience and builds lasting positive memories.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Join our community!</strong></p><p>@TheSensoryEmotional_OT on<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/"> <u>⁠Instagram⁠</u></a></p><p>@GreatKidsPlace on<a href="https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/%C2%A0"> <u>⁠Instagram⁠</u></a> &amp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/"> <u>⁠Facebook⁠</u></a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Visit our Learning Center </strong></p><p>We know that sensory-motor experiences play a significant role in a child’s daily life and emotional well-being. Using playful interactions, <a href="https://sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.teachable.com"><u>The Sensory Emotional Center of Learning</u></a> is designed to bring our therapeutic model, the Sensory Emotional EngageMent Frame of Reference, into your home or work.</p><p><a href="https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.com"><strong>https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.com</strong></a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Want more resources?</strong> Please visit our blog:<a href="https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/"><u> https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/</u></a></p><p>and<a href="https://sensoryemotional.org/"> <u>https://sensoryemotional.org/</u></a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>About</strong></p><p><strong>AnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, PNAP</strong></p><p><strong>Occupational Therapist, Great Kids Place</strong></p><p><strong>Co-Director, Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent</strong></p><p> </p><p>AnnMarie is an Occupational Therapist and Assistant Professor at FDU, where she teaches mental health, neuroscience, and interprofessional education. She holds a doctoral degree in occupational therapy, specializes in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder, and is a fellow of Michele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E.</p><p> </p><p>Her background also includes a degree in Psychology, supporting her focus on social-emotional development, parent stress, and family dynamics.</p><p> </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>A Tribute to Michele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E®</strong></p><p> </p><p>Founder, Great Kids Place and the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent Frame of Reference</p><p>Michele Parkins dedicated her life to supporting