Play. Learn. Shine.
Navigating the early years of parenting can be both rewarding and challenging, filled with questions about development, behavior, and learning. To support you on this journey, we’ve curated a selection of podcasts, websites, Instagram accounts, and YouTube channels offering expert advice, practical tips, and creative ideas tailored to parents of young children.
​
Whether you’re looking for guidance on managing tantrums, fostering early learning, or simply finding moments of joy and connection with your child, these resources provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Explore topics like sensory play, emotional development, and fun family activities—all from trusted voices in parenting and early childhood education.
Sensory and emotional regulation
The OT HOLLY YouTube channel and website focus on early childhood development, particularly for toddlers aged 1-3. Run by Holly, a pediatric occupational therapist and mother, the platform provides guidance on promoting cognitive, sensory, and behavioral growth in young children. Holly shares practical advice on navigating parenting challenges like picky eating, tantrums, and developmental milestones, along with recommendations for toys and activities to support learning through play. The goal is to empower parents with knowledge and tools to foster their children's development in a balanced and approachable way​.
Here is a great video on challenging drop-off, an after-school meltdown, and another video on handling hitting!
​
The Courtney English OT Instagram channel and website aim to provide expert insights, resources, and inspiration in the field of occupational therapy. With a special emphasis on sensory integration, child development, and practical strategies for supporting children and families, the platform offers a blend of professional guidance and engaging content. Whether sharing therapeutic techniques, discussing key milestones, or promoting inclusivity and growth, Courtney English OT is a valuable resource for you.
She offers lots of freebies too!
​​​​​​
Parenting
Janet Lansbury’s website and "Unruffled" podcast focus on respectful parenting, offering guidance rooted in the RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) philosophy. She emphasizes fostering trust, independence, and emotional connection by viewing children as capable individuals. Through articles, Q&A sessions, and episodes of her "Unruffled" podcast, Lansbury provides practical advice on topics like discipline, emotional regulation, setting boundaries, and nurturing a secure parent-child relationship. Her work is aimed at empowering parents to approach challenges with clarity, empathy, and confidence while respecting their child’s unique development.
Listen to an episode on Developmental Myths and 'Strict is Loving'
​
​We also recommend listening to this conversation between Dr. Andrew Huberman and Dr.Becky Kennedy in the podcast episode: 'Protocols for parenting and Improving Relationships', where the two scientists discuss practical strategies for raising emotionally healthy, resilient kids, along with effective alternatives to traditional reward-and-punishment methods that foster valuable skills and deepen the parent-child connection.
Brain development
If you'd like to learn more about how a baby's brain develops, we recommend a beautifully made series called 'Babies' on Netflix. It's a documentary series exploring the science behind a baby's first year of life, covering milestones like brain development, bonding, movement, sleep, and language. Through personal stories and groundbreaking research, it reveals the remarkable ways infants grow, adapt, and connect with the world around them.
Follow BLPS on Instagram and Facebook for more inspiration and tips!