#319: How Nature Play Sparks Brain Development with Kim Willson Pediatric OT

Occupational therapy isn’t just a fancy clinic where kids who struggle go for therapy. Imagine a clinic being the great outdoors! Using nature as a kids backdrop to spark brain development is what we discuss in today’s episode with Kim Wilson, OT of Natures Path. 

During this episode we learn what occupational therapy really is. Do kid’s have an occupation they need therapy for?

Hint: A kids occupation is PLAY!

To use kids play, especially in the outdoors, has SO many benefits. In today’s episode Kim teaches about all those benefits and practical ways to utlize the outdoors to optimize our kids brain and overall development! 

Topics Discussed:

• How nature provides the best experience and exposure to spark brain development 

• How the outdoors creates new synaptic connections 

• What the ultimate environment looks like for kids - peaceful, quiet, open nature versus parks, amusement parks, etc. 

• Attention restoration theory and how different types of input inside versus outside can impact the brain

• How playgrounds may not be the best way to foster inner directive play

• Why doing less is more when it comes to children’s activities

• How moms can use “activity analysis” to learn and observe developmental gaps in their child

• Trends Kim is seeing in her 17 years of this work what to look out for

Show Notes:

• Visit Kim’s Website

• Follow @natures.path.ot on Instagram

• Handout Links

• Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell’s Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child’s number one health advocate!

• Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD’s online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood

• Listen to today’s episode on our website

Kim is the owner and founder of Nature's Path Occupational Therapy, and is a pediatric occupational therapist in Colorado Springs, CO. With 17 years of experience as an OT, her initial 3 years were dedicated to adult neuro-rehab, focusing on brain and spinal cord injuries. She continues PRN work with this group. For the past 13 years, Kim has specialized in pediatric clinic-based and early intervention services, often incorporating outdoor therapy. Witnessing nature's therapeutic benefits both professionally and as a mother of 6, she is fervently devoted to integrating nature into childhood development. Nature's Path was conceived as an alternative therapeutic model. Kim holds a B.S. in Occupational Therapy from Boston University and an M.S. in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama, where she also earned her Low Vision certificate. As a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), she supports the mother-baby dyad in the infant's first year, addressing infant and toddler feeding from a developmentally holistic perspective. Beyond her roles as a mother and OT, Kim enjoys running, hiking, snowboarding, camping, and exploring the mountains.

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INTRODUCE YOURSELF to Steph and Dr. Elana on Instagram. They can’t wait to meet you!

@stephgreunke

@drelanaroumell

Please remember that the views and ideas presented on this podcast are for informational purposes only.  All information presented on this podcast is for informational purposes and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a healthcare provider. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any diet, supplement regimen, or to determine the appropriateness of the information shared on this podcast, or if you have any questions regarding your treatment plan.