Simone Emery OT

03/08/2026

Activation Executive Function .... Uhhh... That does sound way too OT-jargon-heavy! 😳 And, you'd be right to start thinking about scrolling away.

But ... Please humour me for a bit.... I can explain!

When I think of executive function skills, I think of the part of my brain that works like an air traffic controller. The part that sees ALL of the incoming information, zipping around here and there. My air traffic controller organizes, prioritises, sorts, starts, checks, reviews

And there is a cluster of these skills that group together and have been defined by Dr TE Brown as "activation" executive functions. You can imagine them as the brain's ignition system. The skills we need to START. (And we all know that getting started can be a battle in itself.)

Firstly, there is ORGANIZING - arranging materials, workspace, and the steps needed for a task.

Then, PRIORITIZING - deciding which tasks matter most and what order to do them in.

And INITIATING - finding the internal motivation to really begin the work.

You may recall a time when getting started on a job was nigh on impossible for you or a family member, especially kids. Children are only just starting to develop their executive function skills (ps. They aren't fully developed until approximately the age of 25!) And you may wonder if there are some key ways to improve activation executive function skills? There are!! You can try...

1) Break a task down into tiny, easy steps.
OR
2) Use an external trigger to "force" yourself into starting - eg. An alarm or a self-imposed deadline that corresponds to something you like.
OR
3) Make it interesting!!! This is one of the main ways I work with children on getting practice at using their activation EF skills. Always look for their strengths and interests.

What about the mega scone?
Ah, as an example of task breakdown - here is the predicament. I wanted to bake something for lunchboxes this week. I didn't really feel like it. So, I chose a 4 ingredient recipe that is super forgiving with measurements (date scones) and decided to not faff about with cutting them into individual scones. Instead, I poured about 200ml of cream and (see comments ...)

25/01/2026

I harboured a hope for today.

I wanted to wake up and peacefully start the day. Enjoy a moment outside, soaking in the cool of the morning before the heat began to rise.

Later, I would check the news.

And instead of the horrors, there was a glimmer.

I would see the news announcement.

A long overdue announcement.

I hoped our nation was learning about a change. A change that honours the longest continuous living culture.

A change that means so much.

A change that our first nations people and their allies have called for, for far too long.

A change that doesn't have a negative impact on anyone else. Hence, a "no-brainer" of a change.

While we wait, we reflect, we are filled with sorrow. No genOcide should be marked with a celebration.

The glimmer is yet to come.

🖤💛❤️

For the grid, photos of Italian hot chocolates that my daughter made today as her own initiated "learn something new" task - she comes up with such cool ideas. Quenelle demo by dad. She sees the glimmers 💕 and we all will keep hoping and watching for more.

15/01/2026

14-16 January 2026
Thai Pongal Harvest Festival (Hindu)
📌Sri Lanka,Tamil Nadu, South India and Tamil People the world over.

For the Tamil people, the start of Thai (this month on their calendar) is for celebrating the harvest festival with wishes for homes to be filled with warmth, togetherness and prosperity. 💕

Gratitude is given to the gods of the sun and rain. A dish that is prepared involves rice boiled in milk and jaggery (hard rock sugar). The dish, Pongal, ceremonially "boils over" to represent the bounty. It is also traditionally prepared in the sunshine.☀️

We made our own version at home today with the addition of cardamom, cinnamon, almonds and a swirl of condensed milk.

Pictured:
1) 4 serves of Pongal being sniffed by our dog
2) Another attempt to photograph the dishes
3) video of the pongal simmering on the stove

____________

2026 is shaping up to be a tricky year. I wanted to use the account carve out some space for whimsy and celebrating multiculturalism through snacks / meals. Our power is in our ability to look for the glimmers. Learning more about each other can only help us find harmony, especially now when we need it the most.

File under: Highlights | Whimsy & Wonder

05/11/2022

End of an Era - Play with Food - https://mailchi.mp/2eeebfc459e4/end-of-an-era-play-with-food

I can't thank you enough for your support over the years. You made the dream of running Play with Food a reality. It may not be goodbye forever - but it is goodbye for now.

Thanks for being here and your work in bringing trust, curiosity and a sense of belonging to your family mealtimes. You made it so worthwhile.
x Simone

30/10/2022

🪷 What OT means to me? 🪷

This week has been OT week and it has been SOO inspiring! The posts from the numerous OTs that I follow have been so positive. In particular, I have loved seeing everyone articulate their personal mission statements within a profession that is soooo multifaceted.

My "feeding therapy life" started 10 years ago (last month officially). As a nutritionist, I began my business by running fruit and vegetable exploration playgroups with toddlers. My goal was to facilitate a way for children to explore food without pressure and trust their senses to give them information about food in a caring and fun environment.

Whilst attending professional development courses and spending countless hours on self-directed learning about the complicated world of feeding, I was in my element for 5 years working with OTs at .

Once my littlest bird was ready to head to prep, I knew I wanted to re-train as an OT. The masters program at was the ticket to my dream.

Graduating this year, I pinch myself as I work in my dream job Mon - Thu as a for (and for in my spare time).

wants to know - What OT means to me? This year, OT has meant refreshed purpose, beautiful relationships and finding myself in a holistic, adaptable and creative profession.

Happy OT Week!

X Simone

13/10/2022

This was last week... But last night getting home to a thick red dust all over this laundry meant I got reacquainted with every item. Every item has to be wiped and washed. Every one. 🙄🙄🙄

16/09/2022

Chickpea Musings and Food School Open for Term 4

15/09/2022

CHANGE OF TIME

Due to time zone clashes - please note the time for food school has changed for Term 4.

2 spots remain.

See more via the link:

Online group-based feeding therapy meals to improve a fussy child's acceptance of foods using a play-based approach aligned with your family goals.

05/09/2022

This sounds like a fab dish to add to a family meal repertoire.

What could you pop in the middle of the table with the Dahl???

Firstly, I would flake the hot smoked salmon in a dish to the side. And then consider these too...

* Toasted Naan Bread
* Chicken Nuggets 👏
* Steamed beans
* Carrot sticks

What would your family love as a side dish with this quick ginger Dahl recipe? Every family could come up with their own unique combination!

X Simone

A quick and easy lentil-based curry dish perked up with flakes of smoked salmon makes the ideal midweek meal.

29/08/2022

🩰Just a mum... Waiting for dance class to finish. 🩰

I thought it would be a great time to say "Hi" and fill you in on the "behind the scenes" around here.

I finished my master's degree in Occupational Therapy 2 months ago. I work Mon - Thu in a private paediatric clinic. I love the work there with all my heart. Yet, feeding will always have a huge place in my heart too.

So, I still see my own Play with Food clients on Fridays. I am at capacity there but have released two programs that are now available for booking.

1) Online food school where we focus on things like body speed, flexible thinking, social skills and executive function skills in a weekly, fun group-zoom. Term 4, 8:30am Saturdays now open for enrollment via the website.

2) one:one parent sessions on Tuesday evenings. This is for parents that would love some time to unpack what is going on for their kiddo and to feel inspired with some new food / skill building ideas. Also open for booking at www.playwithfood.com.au

So, if you are keen to work with me in 2022, I hope these options look good to you.

X Simone "taxi driver" Emery