T.E.A.M. Occupational Therapist, Whitney Garrison, on Morning News with Crystal Martinez
Back-to-School tips for parents was the focus of conversation with Children’s Therapy TEAM OT, Whitney Garrison and KNWA/Fox 24’s Crystal Martinez on the NWA Morning News
Whitney Garrison recommends talking to children who may feel nervous when heading back to school. Help them to understand that nervous feelings are normal. She shares, “[Communication] is really one of the biggest things to foster between the child and the caregiver. And then also help [the child] understand that when they go to school they still have people that can talk to them. Use the teacher and the resources there at the school to help [children] navigate those feelings of anxiety.”
Foster Development of Role as Learner
In offering one of her greatest tips, Whitney shares, “…help your student understand and identify their new role as a learner and help them foster that development and ownership of their own life and learning. I think this also helps the parent or caregiver really understand that when the child goes to school, they are also fulfilling a purpose and learning and growing. [This] helps both parties really navigate the process.”
Back-to-School Sleep Schedules
When Crystal Martinez asked Whitney about sleep schedules and back-to-school routines, Whitney reflected on how easy it is to get off schedules during the summer. She shared, “One of the biggest things is detox from technology. Get off the screens earlier, quit taking in liquids earlier in the evening if you can, and really start getting a good bedtime routine. The better you can prepare for sleep, the better you will sleep. So using the same routine of a nighttime bath, decreasing the lighting, doing a little reading before bed, anything you can do like that to calm down your body and prepare for sleep [is best].”
About Whitney Garrison, OT, OTD
Whitney holds a duel appointment at Arkansas Colleges of Health Education and Children’s Therapy TEAM. She holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University (2022) and a Masters in Occupational Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas (2007). read more
Posted 8.10.2023
Whitney Garrison on Morning News with Crystal Martinez
Back-to-School tips for parents was the focus of conversation with Children’s Therapy TEAM OT Whitney Garrison and KNWA/Fox 24’s Crystal Martinez on the NWA Morning News
Whitney Garrison recommends talking to children who may feel nervous when heading back to school. Help them to understand that nervous feelings are normal. She shares, “[Communication] is really one of the biggest things to foster between the child and the caregiver. And then also help [the child] understand that when they go to school they still have people that can talk to them. Use the teacher and the resources there at the school to help [children] navigate those feelings of anxiety.”
Foster Development of Role as Learner
In offering one of her greatest tips, Whitney shares, “…help your student understand and identify their new role as a learner and help them foster that development and ownership of their own life and learning. I think this also helps the parent or caregiver really understand that when the child goes to school, they are also fulfilling a purpose and learning and growing. [This] helps both parties really navigate the process.”
Back-to-School Sleep Schedules
When Crystal Martinez asked Whitney about sleep schedules and back-to-school routines, Whitney reflected on how easy it is to get off schedules during the summer. She shared, “One of the biggest things is detox from technology. Get off the screens earlier, quit taking in liquids earlier in the evening if you can, and really start getting a good bedtime routine. The better you can prepare for sleep, the better you will sleep. So using the same routine of a nighttime bath, decreasing the lighting, doing a little reading before bed, anything you can do like that to calm down your body and prepare for sleep [is best].”
About Whitney Garrison, OT, OTD
Whitney holds a duel appointment at Arkansas Colleges of Health Education and Children’s Therapy TEAM. She holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University (2022) and a Masters in Occupational Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas (2007). read more
Posted 8.10.2023
