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Episode #5: Boundaries Without Battles - Parenting Teens with Purpose

OT For Two

Release Date: 06/05/2025

OT for Two Episode Season 2 Episode 1: Comparison is the thief of joy show art OT for Two Episode Season 2 Episode 1: Comparison is the thief of joy

OT For Two

Comparison has a way of sneaking into parenting and stealing the joy — especially in mothers’ groups, school yards, and scroll-heavy moments. In this episode of OT for Two, we unpack why “my way, my time” matters. Because children aren’t spreadsheets, siblings aren’t carbon copies, and development doesn’t run on a group timeline. We talk confidence in your parenting choices, the spiral that comes from constant questioning, and why seeing your child as an individual (not a comparison point) changes everything. No race. No rankings. Just your child, in their own time and space.

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Episode #10 - The Best Bits - Season One Wrap-Up! show art Episode #10 - The Best Bits - Season One Wrap-Up!

OT For Two

From sleep to sensory meltdowns, teenage eye-rolls to parenting “aha!” moments – we’ve crammed all our favourite golden nuggets from Season One into one fun, bite-sized episode. Think of it as the highlight reel you can listen to in the car, on a walk, or hiding in the pantry with chocolate. Whether you’re here for the laughs, the learning, or just the solidarity of knowing you’re not alone in the chaos, this mash-up has you covered. Let’s celebrate the wins, share the laughs, and wrap this season up with a pretty little bow.

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Episode #9: Sleep Like a Pro – Why Sleep Matters & How to Make It Happen show art Episode #9: Sleep Like a Pro – Why Sleep Matters & How to Make It Happen

OT For Two

Why is sleep such a big deal for kids (and adults!)? In this episode, we dive into what actually happens in our bodies while we snooze, why sleep is essential for growing brains and bodies, and the sneaky ways poor sleep can show up in behaviour. We also share our favourite OT-approved tips and tricks to build a better bedtime routine—because sleep success doesn’t start at bedtime, it starts before it. Whether your child fights sleep like it’s their job or just struggles to stay settled, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help the whole household catch more ZZZs.

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Episode #8: Feel the Beat - How Music Helps Kids Regulate show art Episode #8: Feel the Beat - How Music Helps Kids Regulate

OT For Two

From boppy beats to calming tunes, Trish and Jayne dive into the magical ways music can help kids (and adults!) shift gears, settle down, or get moving. Whether it’s hype-up songs before school or a soothing instrumental wind-down, this episode is packed with fun, real-life tips on using music to support regulation at home and in the classroom. Press play and feel the rhythm!   HELPFUL LINKS: OT For Two Spotify (Pink Noise Playlist) - OT For Two Spotify (Instrumental Covers Playlist) - Endel App for Pink Noise - Anita Collins: Music Educator Website - Anita Collins IG: ...

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Episode #7: Surviving Task Transitions with Kids show art Episode #7: Surviving Task Transitions with Kids

OT For Two

Getting your kid to stop one thing and start another? Easier said than done. In this episode, your two favourite OT For Two hosts chat about the daily drama of task transitions - why they’re so tough, and how to make them (slightly) less painful. Trish and Jayne share practical tips that they use in their own homes, like countdown timers, pack-up songs, body doubling and more. No magic wand required, just a few tools and a bit of patience.   HELPFUL LINKS: Squiddy Hoodie - Use code TRISH10 for 10% off  Trish’s Rainbow Countdown timer - Skylight Calendar - Pack up songs Spotify...

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Episode #6: You’re the Coach, Not the Captain show art Episode #6: You’re the Coach, Not the Captain

OT For Two

Being a teenager is hard. Hormones, identity, friendships, school, social media… it's a lot. And as parents or caregivers, it’s tempting to jump in, take control, and steer the ship for them. But in this final episode of our teen series, paediatric OT Trish Lerk invites you to take a different approach — one of coaching, not captaining. It’s about stepping back (even when it’s hard), showing up with kindness and compassion, and becoming the steady, encouraging presence on the sidelines while your teen takes the lead on their own life. Because the goal isn’t to make their life...

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Episode #5: Boundaries Without Battles - Parenting Teens with Purpose show art Episode #5: Boundaries Without Battles - Parenting Teens with Purpose

OT For Two

Think boundaries are boring? Think again! In Part 2 of our Connecting with Your Teenager series, we’re flipping the script on consequences and boundaries. This episode dives into how clear, kind frameworks and consistent boundaries aren't just about keeping teens in line—they’re about setting them up for life. We’ll chat about the power of connection, the importance of letting kids bump into limits (with support), and how to turn everyday moments into lifelong skill-building. Less control, more collaboration. Fewer battles, more laughs. Tune in for practical tools, a few giggles, and a...

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Episode #4: If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join ‘Em - Meeting Teens on Their Turf show art Episode #4: If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join ‘Em - Meeting Teens on Their Turf

OT For Two

Teens and their phones — an unbreakable bond stronger than most Wi-Fi signals. In this episode, Paediatric OT Trish Lerk dives into how we can stop battling screen time and start building real connection — by jumping into their world instead of dragging them out of it. Whether it’s learning their favourite game, vibing to their most-played song, or learning what the heck ‘Brawl Stars’ is, Trish shares playful, practical ways to meet teens where they're at (and maybe even have fun doing it). Less eye rolls. More connection. Possibly even some street cred.

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Episode #3: Emotional Storms Ahead? Grab a Paddle and a Snack. show art Episode #3: Emotional Storms Ahead? Grab a Paddle and a Snack.

OT For Two

You can’t change the wind, but you can direct the sail. Get in your child’s boat and let’s ride those emotional storms together! Trish spills the key formula (that’s not even hard; coz she has ADHD and things slip her mind before she’s even finished the thought). These steps to support coregulation (in any human being) will 1 million per cent change your world. Tune in and also get pumped for the worship conference that will be based on this podcast in 2026!

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Episode #2: Music, Regulation and the Brain show art Episode #2: Music, Regulation and the Brain

OT For Two

In this episode of OT for Two, Trish dives headfirst into the incredible ways music connects with the brain to support emotional and self-regulation. Ever wondered why that one song helps your kid calm down, or how rhythm can help with transitions and tricky moments? Join us as we unpack the science, sprinkle in some stories, and sing the praises of music (sometimes literally).

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More Episodes

Think boundaries are boring? Think again! In Part 2 of our Connecting with Your Teenager series, we’re flipping the script on consequences and boundaries. This episode dives into how clear, kind frameworks and consistent boundaries aren't just about keeping teens in line—they’re about setting them up for life.

We’ll chat about the power of connection, the importance of letting kids bump into limits (with support), and how to turn everyday moments into lifelong skill-building. Less control, more collaboration. Fewer battles, more laughs. Tune in for practical tools, a few giggles, and a whole lot of heart.

This is old material repurposed for the sake of great podcast content. If I am referring to a He or a She or a They, it’s not personal. Please just gender neutralise it or apply the pronouns that work for you and your family.

Happy Listening!