The Development Download

The Play Gap: Why Kids Aren’t Playing Like They Used To

Remember when kids spent hours outside building forts, riding bikes, creating imaginary worlds, and figuring things out on their own? In this episode of Development Download, hosts Lisa and Erin explore why play has changed so dramatically over the years—and what that means for child development. From screen time and overscheduled calendars to safety concerns and changing family dynamics, they discuss the factors impacting today’s kids and why unstructured play is still one of the most important tools for learning, regulation, creativity, and connection. Tune in for practical ways families can encourage more meaningful play in everyday life.

Picky Eating or Just a Phase? An OT’s Guide for Toddlers

Picky eating is about more than just preference. In this episode of Development Download, Erin and Lisa welcome Julie Johnson, OTD, OTR/L to explore toddler feeding through an occupational therapy lens. Learn how sensory processing, oral motor development, emotional regulation, and autonomy all influence how toddlers eat. Julie shares how to recognize red flags, support skill development, and create a positive, low-pressure mealtime environment that fosters long-term success.

From Bottle to Bites: A Developmental Guide to Starting Solids

Feeding is one of a baby’s first and most important occupations. In this episode of Development Download, Erin and Lisa welcome Julie Johnson, OTD, OTR/L to discuss the transition to solids through an occupational therapy lens. From postural stability and oral motor skills to sensory exploration and emotional regulation, Julie shares how all aspects of development come together during mealtimes. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of why feeding can be challenging and how to support your baby with practical, evidence-informed strategies.

The Power of Play Therapy: Supporting Regulation, Connection, and Growth with Marie Bonner-Horon

In this episode of Development Download, Erin and Lisa sit down with Marie Bonner-Horon, counselor and owner of Ways of Play, to explore the transformative impact of play therapy for children. Marie shares how play serves as a child’s natural language—and how therapists can use it to support emotional regulation, processing, and connection. We dive into how play therapy complements occupational and speech therapy, especially when addressing challenges like sensory processing, impulsivity, social skills, and emotional regulation. This conversation highlights the importance of meeting children where they are, following their lead, and building strong, trusting relationships through play. Whether you're a therapist, educator, or parent, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how play can be a powerful tool for growth—and how collaborative care can make an even bigger impact.

The Social Battery: Why Connection Can Be Exhausting

In this episode, Erin and Lisa sit down with OT Erica Haarmann to explore the concept of the social battery—what it is, how it impacts both kids and adults, and why recognizing social burnout matters. We discuss signs that a child’s social battery is running low, how overstimulation and masking can contribute to burnout, and practical ways families can support regulation and recovery. Plus, we reflect on our own social batteries as parents and professionals, and the importance of knowing when our own “cups” need refilling.