Callan Parker Occupational Therapy

31/07/2026

Did you know that breathing is one of the easiest ways to help children regulate their emotions, calm their bodies, and improve their focus?

The key is to practise these techniques when children are calm, so they're easier to use when big feelings arise.

Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing a series of fun, child-friendly breathing exercises that you can try at home, in the classroom, or during therapy.

This week's exercise: The Hot Air Balloon Breath. 🎈

Save this post so you can build your own calming toolkit, and share it with someone who might find it helpful!

21/07/2026

Over the past three weeks, we've had the pleasure of having Amber, a final year OT student from UCT, join our team for her elective block.
It's been wonderful to share our passion for Occupational Therapy while watching her grow in confidence, knowledge, and clinical skills.

Thank you for all your hard work, enthusiasm, flexibility and willingness to learn. We wish you every success with the rest of your studies and your future career - we know you'll make a wonderful Occupational Therapist! 💜💜💜

25/06/2026

Join SENSORi Occupational Therapy Arbeidsterapie and other wonderful professionals for this awesome talk.

Last chance to book. Busy finalising numbers. You don’t want to miss out on this

20/05/2026

🌿 Understanding the “Window of Tolerance” or Regulation Zone 🌿

We all have a “window” where we feel regulated, calm enough to cope, think clearly, connect with others, and manage daily demands.

When stress, sensory overload, fatigue, illness, emotions, or life demands become too much, we can move outside that window:

🔥 Hyperarousal — overwhelmed, anxious, angry, reactive, tearful, “too much energy”
❄️ Hypoarousal — shut down, withdrawn, numb, exhausted, disconnected

For children (and adults!), regulation is not about being calm all the time — it’s about recognising when we’re moving out of our window and having support, strategies, and connection to help us return. 💛

As OTs, we often help children and families build awareness of triggers, co-regulation strategies, sensory supports, and routines that strengthen regulation over time.

12/05/2026

21/04/2026

17/04/2026

14/04/2026

More about our Sensory Rings - R10 each

These small, stretchy rings provide gentle deep pressure and tactile input when rolled up and down the fingers...like a massage.
They are great for:
🖐 Supporting self-regulation and calming
🖐Improving body and finger awareness
🖐Providing a quiet, safe fidget for busy hands
🖐Assisting with focus during tasks (e.g. schoolwork, meetings, screen time)

Suitable for both children and adults, they can be especially helpful for those who seek sensory input, feel restless, or need support with attention and regulation throughout the day.
Simple, portable, and effective — an easy way to add calming sensory input wherever you are 🌿

P.s...Callan keeps one in her car to use in traffic 😋

14/04/2026

New goodies in our OT shop 🧸📚

We stock a range of sensory and scholastic supports to help with:
• Self-regulation
• Focus and attention
• Fine motor development
• Sensory processing needs
• Early learning and classroom participation

From reading highlight strips and pencil grips to embossed stickers, 3D Puzzles (, sensory body socks (ghost suits), Therabands for chair legs, sensory rings, chewable necklaces, and sensory brushes and more — each item is carefully chosen to support development in a practical, meaningful way ✨

OT-recommended, Kiddie-approved.