Podcast Episode Details
Back to Podcast Episodes
#149: Homeschool OT Explains Reflex Integration, Picky Eaters & Kids Who Won’t Sit Still
Episode 149
What happens when vaccine mandates, school regulations, and a mama’s intuition collide? In this episode, I sit down with Tiffany, a homeschool mom of almost-seven-year-old twin boys in West Virginia and an occupational therapist who now serves the homeschool community.
Tiffany shares how COVID, vaccine requirements, and a strong Christian conviction opened the door to homeschooling—not just for her twin boys, but for her stepkids too. We talk about co-ops, jujitsu, piano lessons, state requirements, and why “freedom” is the first word that comes to mind when she thinks of home education.
As an OT, Tiffany also dives into reflex integration—how primitive reflexes can affect things like handwriting, reading, attention, picky eating, emotional regulation, and why some kids “can’t sit still” no matter how hard they try. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this just a phase, or does my child actually need help?” this conversation is for you.
In this episode, we cover:
- Homeschooling energetic twin boys with totally different strengths
- Navigating co-ops, church life, and daily rhythms in West Virginia
- How vaccine mandates and religious convictions pushed some families toward homeschooling
- The difference between classical education and programs like Classical Conversations
- West Virginia vs. New York homeschool requirements (portfolio reviews, testing, paperwork)
- What pediatric occupational therapy actually is for homeschoolers
- Reflex integration 101 and how unintegrated reflexes can show up as
- Poor handwriting
- Trouble sitting still
- Visual scanning issues when reading
- Picky eating, chewing on clothes/pencils
- Big emotions and meltdowns
- Why it’s okay to ask for help and build your “village” as a homeschool parent
Connect with Tiffany:
Facebook: The Homeschool OT, Tiffany Parsons
Other therapy resources:
Facebook: The Homeschool OT, Sarah Collins
Harkla (parent trainings): https://harkla.co/?rfsn=8716597.365cfae
Learn more about Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb—the new prequel book from S. D. Smith—and explore the companion video game now available on Steam: sdsmith.com/helmer
Perfect for parents seeking meaningful, courage-building stories for kids ages 8–12.
📘 The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide
Thinking about homeschooling but don’t know where to start? Cheryl created this comprehensive guide, compiling insights from interviews with over 120 homeschooling families across the country. From navigating state laws to balancing work and home life — this eBook covers it all. Stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling confident on your homeschooling journey.
Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast
Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast
Published on 3 weeks, 1 day ago