Inspire Occupational Therapy

If their nervous system isn’t intact and ready to learn then learning is nearly impossible! This is what we address their nervous system and form a connection before expecting learning!

I had a big influx and emails this week and if you have not heard back from me yet, I will be catching up this evening! Thank you all for your patience ❤️

✨ Helping Kids Build Impulse Control ✨

Impulse control is the ability to stop and think before acting, essentially a “pause” button before reacting! Here’s the thing: it develops slowly and naturally over time.

The part of the brain responsible (the prefrontal cortex) doesn’t fully mature until our mid-20s! So when a child blurts out, grabs, knocks over towers, or runs off, it isn’t always defiance. It’s the fact that they are still developing self-control. As OTs, we can strengthen this skill through play, structure, and consistent routines.

Here are 5 simple activities to support impulse control at home, daycare, or school 👇

1. Red Light, Green Light – Teacher or parent start/stop control through fun movement.
2. Simon Says – Builds attention, listening, and body control.
3. Freeze Dance – Great for learning to pause and restart with control.
4. Obstacle Courses – Encourages planning and patience as they wait for directions and wait for friends to finish the obstacle before moving on.
5. Jobs & Tasks – Giving one small task at a time helps kids slow down and follow through before moving on.

Remember, kids need chances to practice, not just reminders to “stop” or “listen.” When we create supportive, structured opportunities to pause and think, we’re building lifelong regulation skills ❤️

At Inspire Pediatric Therapy, we help children develop focus, patience, and self-control through playful, movement-based therapy — because learning happens best when kids feel calm and connected.

I can’t even put into words how much joy yesterday brought me! Seeing so many of my Inspire kids together in one place — and getting to meet a few amazing new families — filled my heart more than I ever thought possible. ❤️

I think it’s safe to say this will definitely become an annual Inspire tradition!

I am beyond proud of the hard work these kids and their families put into their OT journeys. Yesterday was such a beautiful chance to celebrate them — and they truly deserve it ✨

A huge shout out to Bee Me Sensory Gym for allowing us to rent your amazing space! It was 2 hours filled with smiles and laughter all around!

🌟 Why Routine, Structure, and Predictability Matter for Kids 🌟

For kids — especially those in the foster system or those who have experienced trauma — the world can often feel uncertain or overwhelming. What may feel like “just a routine” to us can actually become a lifeline for them.

✨ Routine and Structure give children a sense of safety. When they know what comes next, their bodies and brains don’t have to stay on high alert.

✨ Boundaries help children understand what to expect from the adults around them. Boundaries aren’t about control — they’re about safety, trust, and consistency.

✨ Predictability allows children to relax, connect, and focus on growing. For a child with a trauma background, predictable rhythms (like bedtime routines, mealtime rituals, or even the way transitions are handled) help heal the nervous system.

For kids who may have had little control in their early life, these tools aren’t “strict” — they are deeply regulating. 💛 They help children feel safe enough to explore, learn, and thrive.

At Inspire Pediatric Therapy, we walk alongside families to build these supports into daily life in a way that feels natural, doable, and safe.

✨ We’re so excited for our event at the Bee Me Sensory Gym this Saturday, September 13th! 🐝💛

At this time, we’re full and unable to accept walk-ins. If you’d like to be added to our waitlist in case a party cancels, please reach out via email [email protected].

We can’t wait to see everyone who RSVP’d! 💫

🌟 Inspire Pediatric Therapy is hiring! 🌟
Are you an OT looking to make an impact with children and families right here in Nebraska (Lincoln or Omaha based)? We’re excited to announce that we’re hiring for an in-home Pediatric OT position with flexible scheduling, great work-life balance, and competitive pay.

📌 Position details:
• 1099 contract position with the opportunity to transition to W-2 after 1 year
• Admin and billing handled for you — so you can focus on kids and families
• Supportive, family-centered practice

👉 If you’re interested, please send your resume or questions to [email protected]. We’d love to connect with you!