Real stories. New tools. Gentle support.
☀️ Feeling overwhelmed this summer? You're not alone.
Highlights from this week for me as a mom include:
- My kid turning our camping cooler into his personal budget cold-plunge, helping me feel less guilty for not taking them to the river every day. #resourceful
- Someone reminding my kids that "your mom is not your butler." I had to laugh.
- Using my Play Therapy skills at home because kids at home= so much fighting sometimes
- Starting to build a beautiful outdoor space at The Real Work--so satisfying.
Welcome to July's Monthly Magic! I'm stoked you're here. Read on for Gabi's free download: 3 tips for a successful summer with your child.
--Rebekah
📥 Free download from Gabi Rookard, LCSW
"Summer can be a lot of things for kids and families..fun, freeing, stressful, unpredictable. And all of this is normal and okay. Here are 3 general tips to help you and your unique child have a successful summer, whatever that means for you!" --Gabi
💬 From The Real Work: How to Know if Therapy Would Help
✨ How to Tell if My Child Might Need Therapy
And why trusting your gut matters more than you think.
As parents, we’re constantly asked to second-guess ourselves.
“Is this normal?”
“Am I overreacting?”
“Maybe they’ll just grow out of it?”
But here’s the truth: when something feels off, it’s worth pausing to ask:
Could therapy help?
At The Real Work, we help kids and teens navigate their inner worlds through play, movement, music, and connection. Here are some signs your child might benefit from working with one of our pediatric specialists:
💥 Big Emotions That Feel Too Big
- Frequent meltdowns, explosive anger, or panic
- Difficulty calming down or shifting gears
- Overwhelm in transitions or new situations
These aren’t signs of a “bad kid.” They’re signs of a nervous system that’s working overtime and needs support.
👯 Struggles With Connection
- Trouble making or keeping friends
- Acting out instead of talking about feelings
- Shutting down, avoiding social settings, or isolating
Kids who struggle socially often need relational support, not just social skills drills.
🌀 Sensory Sensitivities or Regulation Struggles
- Melt-downs in noisy or crowded spaces
- Overreacting (or underreacting) to sounds, lights, or touch
- Constantly on the move or overly cautious about physical play
These signs can point to sensory integration challenges, something our pediatric OTs are specially trained to support.
🧠 Behavioral or Executive Functioning Challenges
- Difficulty focusing, following directions, or problem-solving
- Avoiding tasks like writing, cutting, dressing
- Impulsivity that’s getting in the way of relationships or learning
We often hear: “But they’re so smart! Why can’t they just…”
The answer? It’s not about won’t. It’s about can’t…yet.
🧸 Repetitive or "anxiety-filled" Play
- Struggles with pretend play
- Limited interest in peers
- Routines and patterns that feel “stuck”
Play is how kids process the world. If their play feels flat, restricted, or worryingly repetitive, it could be a sign they need support expressing what’s going on inside.
🌱 You’re Feeling Burned Out, Confused, or Alone
- You're constantly walking on eggshells
- You’re exhausted by the emotional ups and downs
- You’ve tried everything, but nothing seems to help
We want you to know: it’s not your fault. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Therapy isn’t just for your child, it’s support for your whole family system.
💛 The bottom line?
If your gut is telling you, “I think something’s going on," trust that.
Even one or two of these signs is a reason to reach out.
Our team is here for that exact reason, and we want to help you and your child grow into their most confident, connected, and emotionally healthy self.
That’s all for now. Talk to you next month!
Warmly,
The Real Work Therapists
🧡 P.S. If you're thinking about working with us soon—or waiting for the right time—we have openings now and in the coming weeks!
Please reply to this email to get a spot before things fill up for the Fall!
