Rewind: Managing Sensory Overwhelm in Parenthood with Larissa Geleris
Disclaimer: This episode is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please seek immediate care from your physician if you have any concerns about your health.
This week, Rachael sits down with occupational therapist Larissa Geleris of @steadyparents to explore a topic that hits home for so many parents: sensory overwhelm.
Picture this: you're cooking dinner, the oven fan is on, your baby is crying, your toddler is banging a toy, and your partner is asking you a question. You’re overstimulated, overwhelmed, maybe even raging. Sound familiar? You’re not alone—and this episode is for you.
Larissa breaks down what sensory overload really is, how common it is in parenthood, and why it's a completely normal response to an overstimulating environment. She shares her personal story as a pediatric OT who experienced sensory dysfunction after a concussion—and how that shifted her focus to supporting overwhelmed parents just like you.
Here’s what they discuss inside this episode:
What sensory overwhelm is (and why it’s common in parenting)
The “touched out” feeling—why it happens and what to do
Quick, practical sensory strategies to use in the moment
How to reduce the chances of overwhelm ahead of time
Why self-compassion is key to self-regulation
How to co-regulate with your child even when you’re dysregulated
Tools to help you feel more confident and steady in your day-to-day parenting
And so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Larissa’s Instagram: @steadyparents
Larissa’s program: Sensing Your Needs in Parenthood
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Rewind: Helping Kids Learn to Read (And Love It) with Miss Beth from Big City Readers
In this episode, Rachael sits down with literacy expert and beloved educator Beth Gaskill, known by her community as Miss Beth, to talk all about how children learn to read. From the science of reading (yep, it’s a science!) to why fun is essential in the process, this episode is packed with practical strategies for parents who want to support their kids' literacy journeys.
They also chat about what it means to "redshirt" kindergarten, how to foster early literacy skills at home, and how to talk to your kids after school in a way that builds connection (not frustration). Plus, Rachael shares her own perspective as a former public school teacher and current parent navigating her child’s first year in the school system.
Inside this episode:
What the science of reading actually means
The Orton-Gillingham approach and multisensory literacy
Why reading should be fun (and how to make it that way)
How to support your child's learning style
Understanding Kindergarten "redshirting"
What to say when your child won’t tell you about their day
Rachael’s reflections from 10+ years teaching reading
Why advocacy matters and how to be your child’s best advocate
And so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Big City Readers On-Demand Courses for babies, toddlers, and kids
Beth’s podcast: Play on Words
Podcast: Sold a Story
Follow Miss Beth: @bigcityreaders
✨ For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok | Website
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Rewind: Independent Play: Practical Strategies for Simplifying Play with Lizzie Assa
Should parents play with their children? Or should children only play independently? Independent Play is such a polarizing topic! That’s why this week, Rachael and Lizzie Assa, founder of the Workspace for Children, talk all about the importance of play for children and how parents can foster the desire for a healthy balance between playing with children and encouraging independent play.
Here’s what they discuss inside this helpful episode:
the benefits of independent play, starting from birth!
HOW to begin fostering independent play skills
the latest debate on social media: Should we play with our kids or not!?
practical strategies for parents to create a conducive environment for play
independent play is not about specific toys or aesthetics, but about understanding and connecting with each child's unique personality and interests
the fear and guilt that parents can feel when their children are playing independently
how parents can reduce “I’m bored!” pushback and avoid burnout
Tips for using independent play to have a “quiet time” once your child stops napping
And so much more!
Lizzie is the founder of The Workspace for Children, and has become a go-to strategist for parents seeking guidance in fostering independent play for their children. With a Master’s in early childhood education and a passion for simplicity and consistency in play, she offers practical solutions to avoid burnout and promote healthy development. Lizzie's insights have been featured on The Good Inside Podcast, Parent's Magazine, NY Times Parenting, Time, and The Wall Street Journal. She is set to release her forthcoming book, "But I'm Bored!": The Complete Guide to Independent Play for Kids Ages 1-8, which promises to revolutionize the way parents approach their children's playtime.
Mentioned in this episode:
Lizzie’s Audio Course and Companion Workbook: https://twfc.kartra.com/page/sales
Lizzie’s Instagram: @theworkspaceforchildren
Lizzie’s website: https://www.workspaceforchildren.com/
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok | Website
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Rewind: Choosing the Right Daycare and Tips for Transitioning with Elise Disher
This week we're speaking with with Elise Disher, M. Ed all about choosing the right daycare and how to transition your child in as seamlessly as possible. Childcare is such an important topic for parents and we know it can be fraught with worry! Here's what Rachael and Elise discuss inside the episode:
Why building relationships and attachment with staff is crucial during the transition into daycare or preschool
The benefits of a tailored and gradual approach to separation vs. "drop and go"
How parents can advocate for more involvement in the early learning environment and create familiarity for their child
Do children actually need daycare or preschool for socialization or social skills development in the first three years?
Quality early learning environments- what should they be prioritizing and what should parents look for and ask about when touring?
What parents should be focusing on during challenging behaviors
and much more!
Elise's work is all about promoting relationship-focused, attachment-based practices in early childhood settings. She consults with educators to help them implement these approaches and facilitate the Circle of Security program for both educators and families. She also supports families through key transitions into early childhood settings and provides guidance on navigating behavioral challenges. She is a mom to two little ones, aged 5 and 1, and brings over 18 years of experience working in the early childhood profession as an educator, teacher, director, and consultant. She holds a Master of Education and is a certified Circle of Security facilitator as well as a holistic sleep and wellbeing coach.
Her goal is to help build strong, secure connections between children and the adults in their lives, offering the support needed to thrive through the many stages of early childhood.
Mentioned in this episode:
Elise's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisedisher.ed/?hl=en
Elise’s Courses:
Supporting and advocating for a quality orientation support package
Masterclass - The brain behind behaviour- Understanding and responding to emotions and behaviours effectively
Circle of Security Parent Interest Form
Website umeplay.com.au
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
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Episode 100: Behind the Mic (and the Madness): A Candid Q&A with Rachael & Marley
Episode 100: Behind the Mic (and the Madness): A Candid Q&A with Rachael & Marley
In this very special 100th episode of No One Told Us, Rachael is joined by her most frequent (and most requested) guest, her husband, Marley —for an unfiltered, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation about parenting, partnership, and what it really looks like behind the scenes. They answer listener-submitted questions about co-sleeping, division of labor, marital rough patches, and their decision to have a third child…all while laughing at their own mess and sharing what’s worked (and what definitely hasn’t).
Together, they reflect on two years of podcasting, three kids, and how they’ve kept their connection strong (mostly) through the chaos. From the car clutter to the minivan love, and from toddler sleep to dad burnout, nothing is off-limits in this honest, relatable milestone episode.
Inside this episode:
Why they stopped at three kids and how they knew their family was complete
How co-sleeping (with boundaries) worked for them
The impact of COVID and postpartum depression on their marriage after baby #2
Why they don’t miss the newborn stage (and also kind of do!)
Their very different views on asking for help and involving family
Navigating burnout as a stay-at-home parent
Pet peeves (yes, they go there)
How they handle conflict, chores, and discipline as a team
Their take on gentle parenting and when it gets hard
Thoughts on intimacy, evenings alone, and rediscovering connection
Tips for prepping kids for babysitters, weddings, and overnights away
Mentioned in this episode:
Episode 86: Reimagining Boyhood with Ruth Whippman
Episode 5: How Your Relationship Changes After a Baby with Rachael & Marley
Episode 44: Q&A with Rachael and her husband, Marley
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Marley is a LCMSW and current Stay at Home Dad (not a HSB employee!)
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No One Told Us the truth about parenthood. WHY?!
Welcome to No One Told Us, the podcast where we uncover the raw, unfiltered truths about parenthood. I'm your host, Rachael Shepard-Ohta, mom of three and founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby. Each week, join me as we dive deep into the joys, challenges, and surprises of raising children with a mix of expert insights, personal anecdotes, and candid conversations.
From navigating postpartum anxiety to mastering the art of making mom friends, and from introducing solids to tackling tantrums, we cover it all. Whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, this podcast is your go-to resource for honest advice, relatable stories, and plenty of laughs along the way.
Join me as I sit down with experts in their fields, as well as friends, family, celebrities, and influencers, to share their experiences and wisdom on everything from sleepless nights to rocky relationships. No topic is off-limits, and no story goes untold on No One Told Us.
So grab a cup of coffee, pop in your headphones and join the conversation. This is the podcast everyone needed before they had kids- because now that those little ones are here, there's a lot to unpack. So let's pull back the curtain on becoming a first-time mom (or dad!) to share the good, the bad and the ugly. A little education, a little fun, and a whole lot of heart goes into each and every episode of No One Told Us to have you feeling less alone and way more empowered.
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