Help! I Have Kids!

Pam Marshall

Help! I Have Kids! is the podcast for moms who are doing their best, asking all the right questions, and still wondering if something’s being missed. Hosted by Pam—a mom of five and pediatric occupational therapist with 35 years of experience—this show helps you trust your gut, advocate for your child, and partner with professionals without the overwhelm.

Each week, you’ll get practical tips, real-life stories, and heartfelt encouragement from experts and fellow moms who’ve been in your shoes. Because, as moms, we are the head of our child's medical team!

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

42 episodes
Updated Wednesday

Support the show

Support this Podcast

Goes straight to the publisher. podnod takes nothing.

Episodes42

Newest first

Wednesday · 9 min
7 Back to School Tips as a Mom of 5 and Pediatric OT
Send us Fan Mail Are you dreading the first day back to school because of the hard transition between summer and school schedules? Believe me, I understand! As a mom of 5 and pediatric OT I have had many years to perfect the process of getting out of the door on the first day of school. Each year brings new challenges as my kids change and we just learn to adapt! You know your child best, I'm just hear to give you my personal experience and clinical expertise to help you make the best decisions for your household! In this episode, we talk about routines, visual schedules, skills your child can master before the start of school, appropriate shoes and backpacks, and tips to make the first day of school easier for everyone in the house! Check out our other episodes to prepare you for back to school! - Backpacks, Routines & School Prep Tips from an OT Mom: https://youtu.be/IKRpDXSF0PY - Mentally Preparing for Back-to-School With an Anxious Child: https://youtu.be/91YCg8ZMyrg - Navigating 504 Plans, IEPs, and classroom accommodations: https://youtu.be/OWSLr1kBsN8 Support the show
July 15 · 8 min
Neuroanimation: Therapy That Grows the Brain
Send us Fan Mail Have you hit an invisible wall with your child’s therapy? If you are a mom navigating the beautiful, exhausting, and sometimes overwhelming world of raising a child with ADHD, autism, a traumatic brain injury (TBI), or stroke recovery, you know what it feels like to plateau. You’ve done the speech therapy, the occupational therapy, the physical therapy—yet you’re left asking, "What now?" In this deeply personal, solo episode, Pam Marshall speaks directly from her heart to yours. Sharing the hard-won truths she wishes someone had told her years ago, Pam delivers a message of profound hope and a massive breakthrough that quite literally fell into her lap. Pam is introducing Neuroanimation—a revolutionary, science-backed therapy born out of groundbreaking research by neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins University. By using immersive, high-dose stimulation to spark the brain's natural ability to rewire itself (neuroplasticity), Neuroanimation is helping children and adults break through growth plateaus when traditional methods have stalled. Even better? Pam is bringing this world-class technology right here to Lexington, Kentucky. If you are ready to stop feeling stuck and want to explore a new path forward for your child, this episode is your invitation. Tune in to hear the science, feel the hope, and find out how you can book a free tour of the new Lexington facility to see the technology in action and get all your questions answered. Your child's next chapter of growth starts here. Check out the research and schedule a consult! https://www.neuroanimation.com/landing-page-ads-pediatrics-v2/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23970382074&gbraid=0AAAABDlzrDEUtLtr3oOZ550ei4NuDueju&gclid=Cj0KCQjw39zSBhDhARIsANammDs6dGxcqruU_XB-xIZaYmKCSU_D5Jp5Ysfk17iH3kvUkMyCerq3qecaAhrpEALw_wcB Support the show
July 8 · 26 min
What Is AutPlay Therapy? A Mom's Guide to Autism-Affirming Play Therapy
Send us Fan Mail Play therapy gets thrown around a lot — but most moms have no idea what it actually looks like, or whether it's even an option for their neurodivergent child. In this episode, Pam sits down with Allison, a marriage and family therapist working toward her Registered Play Therapist credential, who's also certified in AutPlay Therapy — a neurodiversity-affirming approach designed specifically for autistic and neurodivergent kids. Allison breaks down what a real play therapy session looks like, how it's different from talk therapy, how she reads a playroom, and why "meeting the child where they are" — not changing them — is the whole point. In this episode: - What play therapy actually is (and isn't) - Why play is how kids process their world, long before they can talk about it - What AutPlay Therapy is and how it supports autistic and neurodivergent kids specifically - What a typical session looks like, and how long treatment usually takes - How to know therapy is working - Pam's honest question every mom asks: "Is it really worth it?" - How to find the right play therapist for your child — and what to ask them Support the show
July 1 · 21 min
Will a Therapy Break Cause Regression? Caregiver Burnout & Therapeutic Breaks
Send us Fan Mail Don't skip this episode because you hear "break in therapy" and think… "not for us." Stay with us for a minute. We see you. You're the nurse, the therapist, the caregiver, and the mom — all before lunchtime, most days. You've been white-knuckling it through every session for months, maybe years, and quietly wondering if you have anything left to give. But the second the word "break" comes up, something in you panics. What if my kid loses everything we've worked for? What if we lose our spot? What if I'm the reason they don't progress? So you keep going. Even when you're running on empty. Even when your kid is tired of it too. Even when some small, quiet part of you just wants permission to stop for a minute. This week, Pam sits down with Heather Anderson, PTA, who works with some of the most medically complex kids in the field — and she gently dismantles every fear you've been carrying about stepping back. In this episode: Why a therapeutic break almost never means starting from scratch — and what the research actually shows What to do (and who to call) if you do see regression, so you're never stuck waiting How to ask for a break without losing your therapy spot or your therapist The burnout that's just as real for you as it is for your child — and why it matters Simple ways to keep the progress going at home, even without a weekly session You are the nurse, the therapist, the caregiver, and the mom — and you are allowed to rest. Your child is allowed to just be a kid for a season. This episode is the permission slip you didn't know you needed. Support the show
June 24 · 41 min
Is It Sensory or Behavior? A Pediatric OT Explains Sensory Seeking, Picky Eating & Summer Meltdowns
Send us Fan Mail Is your child's behavior actually sensory? Pam sits down with Kelly, OTD from Marshall Pediatric Therapy to break down sensory seeking vs. sensory avoiding, the real link between picky eating and sensory processing, why "shy" kids may actually be overwhelmed, and why summer makes it all worse. You'll get simple, no-equipment sensory strategies that help your child actually work through their sensory challenges — not just avoid them — plus a clear answer to one of the most common parenting questions: is this sensory or just behavior? If you have a sensory-seeking child, a picky eater, a shy kid, or a kiddo who melts down every afternoon this summer — this one's for you. 🎙️ 💜 New episodes every Wednesday. Share this with a mom who needs it. Support the show
June 17 · 25 min
Does My Baby Need a Helmet? Tight Neck & Flat Head
Send us Fan Mail New Mamas! Before you spend thousands on beautiful nurseries and plastic baby gear, listen to this episode! Pediatric Occupational Therapists Pam and Kelly discuss how modern "baby containers" might be contributing to tight neck muscles and flat heads in newborns. Learn how to trust your mom gut, get easy home exercise tips (HEPs), and find out why a simple laundry basket might be your new secret weapon for healthy infant development. 🍼💪 If any of this sounded a little too familiar today, don't panic—just reach out! Connect with us at Marshall Pediatric Therapy to chat with a pediatric therapist who can answer your questions and give you the tools you need. We’re here to help your family thrive! Support the show
May 20 · 36 min
Can My Child with Autism Do Virtual Therapy?
Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever wondered, "Can my child with autism actually do virtual therapy?" you are not alone. It’s one of the biggest questions parents ask when considering telehealth. In this episode of Help! I Have Kids, guest host and speech-language pathologist Beth Blankenship teams up with special guest Liz, a mom to two sons with autism, to look at virtual therapy from both sides of the screen. Liz shares her honest journey from being a total telehealth skeptic to watching virtual sessions become a major contributing factor to her son's progress. Together, they dive into why telehealth at Marshall Pediatric Therapy is a total game-changer. Beth breaks down how virtual therapy allows families to completely skip long clinic waitlists, avoid the stress of missed appointments, and use the comfort of home to unlock big breakthroughs. Tune in to find out how virtual therapy can deliver the exact same high-quality care as an in-person clinic, right from your living room! Join Our Community! You don’t have to figure this out alone! Join our Help I Have Kids Facebook Community to connect with other moms, ask questions, and get expert insights in a supportive space. Subscribe to the podcast, follow us on YouTube at @HelpIHaveKidsPodcast, and share this episode with a friend who needs a little less stress in her life. We’re all in this together! Support the show
May 6 · 43 min
Navigating Your Child’s Health Insurance: Tips for All Parents
Send us Fan Mail Does opening a medical bill give you an immediate pit in your stomach? 💸 It shouldn’t have to. For many parents, navigating health insurance feels like a second full-time job—one that's confusing, stressful, and full of hidden rules. But here is the secret: Knowledge is your best defense. When you understand how your plan works, you can stop worrying about "surprise bills" and start focusing on your child’s progress. In this episode, host Pam Marshall sits down with Kathleen, a Patient Account Specialist at Marshall Pediatric Therapy, to demystify the world of healthcare billing. Whether you are wondering why your bill changed in January or what to do when a claim gets denied, Kathleen is here to give you the "detective tools" every mom needs. In this episode, we’re breaking down: - The January Shift: Why your benefits might change even if your ID card stays the same. - The "Receipt" for Your Calls: Why you must ask for a Reference Number every time you call insurance (and how it holds them accountable!). - Diagnosis Pointers: The technical reason your claim might be stuck and how specificity saves you money. - The 3-Step Plan for Bills: What to do when a confusing bill arrives at your door. - Provider vs. Payer: Understanding the partnership between your therapist and your insurance company. Don't let "insurance exhaustion" stand in the way of your child’s care. You are the leader of your child’s team, and today, we’re helping you lead with confidence! Join Our Community! You don’t have to figure this out alone! Join our Help I Have Kids Facebook Community to connect with other moms, ask questions, and get expert insights in a supportive space. Subscribe to the podcast, follow us on YouTube at @HelpIHaveKidsPodcast, and share this episode with a friend who needs a little less stress in her life. We’re all in this together! Support the show
April 29 · 39 min
Bumblebees in My Head: Navigating ADHD/Autism as a Neurodivergent Mom
Send us Fan Mail “Mommy, it feels like I have bumblebees in my head.” 🐝 In this powerful and moving episode, host Pam Marshall (Pediatric OT) sits down with Sarah and Carolyn, two moms who are navigating the beautiful, "spicy," and often complex world of parenting neurodivergent children while being neurodivergent themselves. We’re diving deep into the advocacy it takes to trust your "mom gut" when professionals say "she’ll grow out of it," the relief of finally finding a name for why your child feels different, and how to find grace for yourself when the household motor just won't stop running. As a special tribute for Mother’s Day, Sarah and Carolyn also share heartwarming stories of their own mothers. This episode is a masterclass in parenting with empathy, setting boundaries for self-care (like the "20-minute rule"), and learning to dance through the meltdowns. Whether you are navigating a new autism diagnosis, struggling with emotional regulation at home, or realizing your own neurodiversity as an adult, this conversation will equip you to be the confident leader of your child’s medical team. Join Our Community! Don't navigate this journey alone! We want to hear your "Help!" moments and your wins. Subscribe to the podcast, join our community of Courageous Mommas on social media at @HelpIHaveKidsPodcast, and visit our website for practical freebies and therapist-approved resources. You’re doing a great job, Mom—let’s do this together! Support the show
April 22 · 30 min
Teen Mental Health Part 3: Depression & Suicidal Thoughts | with Heather Whitis, LMFT
Send us Fan Mail In this important episode, licensed therapist Heather Whitis returns to help us navigate one of the most difficult topics a parent can face—teen depression and suicidal thoughts. If your teen seems withdrawn, hopeless, unusually quiet, or like they've just lost interest in things they used to love, this episode will help you recognize and respond appropriately. Heather brings her expertise as both a therapist and a mom to offer honest, grounded guidance on how depression differs from typical teenage moodiness, how to recognize warning signs of suicidal thinking, and how to respond in a way that keeps the door open instead of pushing your teen further away. She also walks through how to have the hard conversations—calmly, clearly, and with compassion—even when you're scared. This episode will remind you that asking the hard questions doesn't plant dangerous ideas—it shows your teen they're not alone, and that you're a safe place to land. This is part 3 of our teen mental health series: Part 1: How to Know When Your Teen is Struggling Part 2: Understanding Anxiety in Teens Part 3: Recognizing and Responding to Depression & Suicidal Thoughts ✨ Follow us on all socials and join your mom community! https://linktr.ee/helpihavekidspodcast Support the show
April 15 · 28 min
Teen Mental Health Part 2: Understanding Anxiety in Teens | with Heather Whitis, LMFT
Send us Fan Mail In this encouraging episode, licensed therapist Heather Whitis joins us to talk about teen anxiety and what it can really look like in everyday life. If your teen seems overwhelmed, easily frustrated, avoidant, or constantly worried, this episode will help you better understand what may be going on beneath the surface. Heather shares her perspective as both a therapist and a mom, offering practical insight into how anxiety shows up in teens, how to support your child through it, and how to respond in a way that builds trust instead of pressure. She also walks through ways to create safe, supportive conversations—especially when your child has a hard time opening up. This episode will remind you that anxiety is common, support is available, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. This is part 2 of our teen mental health series. Stay tuned for the final episode: Part 1: How to Know When Your Teen is Struggling Part 2: Understanding Anxiety in Teens Part 3: Recognizing and Responding to Depression & Suicidal Thoughts ✨ Follow us on all socials and join your mom community! https://linktr.ee/helpihavekidspodcast Support the show
April 8 · 39 min
Teen Mental Health Part 1: Identifying & Addressing When Your Teen is Struggling | with Heather Whitis, LMFT
Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt episode, licensed therapist Heather Whitis joins us to talk about teen mental health and how parents can recognize early warning signs that something might be off. If you’ve ever felt caught off guard by your teen’s mood swings, withdrawal, or changes in sleep, appetite, or school performance, this episode is for you. Heather shares her experience as both a therapist and a mom, giving practical advice on trusting your gut, starting supportive conversations, and knowing when to seek help. She reassures moms that noticing changes and asking questions isn’t overreacting—it’s caring. This is the first episode in our teen mental health series. Stay tuned for the next episodes: Part 1: How to Know When Your Teen is Struggling Part 2: Understanding Anxiety in Teens Part 3: Recognizing and Responding to Depression & Suicidal Thoughts ✨ Follow us on all socials and join your mom community! https://linktr.ee/helpihavekidspodcast Support the show
April 1 · 40 min
Raising a Toddler with Cerebral Palsy: Emily’s Experience as a Medical Mom
Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode, Emily Hinkle shares her personal journey as a medical mom raising her daughter, Caroline, a toddler with Cerebral Palsy. She opens up about the challenges of NICU life, G-tubes, therapies, and managing appointments, while also celebrating the small victories that make motherhood so special. Emily gives her heartfelt advice on advocating for your child, trusting your mom instincts, and finding your voice with doctors and care teams. She also shares the story behind Caroline’s Corner, a project dedicated to helping other families access helpful toys and tools for their children’s development. Her story is full of hope, courage, and joy, and is a powerful reminder that even in the hardest seasons, advocacy, love, and community can make a lasting difference. ✨ Follow us on all socials and join your mom community! https://linktr.ee/helpihavekidspodcast Follow along with Caroline’s Journey and help her and Emily in their mission to provide children with therapy-based toys to help them master their skills at home! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576982061571&sk=about Support the show
March 25 · 1 hr 2 min
6 Ways Moms Can Take Back Their Health
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Sarah Schuetz and Dr. Katherine Dotson—both moms and lifestyle medicine physicians—for an honest and empowering conversation about what it really means to take care of your health. We’re breaking down the 6 pillars of health and how small, realistic changes can make a big impact—not just for you, but for your entire family. Because the truth is, when moms are running on empty, it affects everything. If you’ve ever felt like your own health gets pushed to the back burner, this episode is for you. Dr. Schuetz and Dr. Dotson share practical, doable ways to help you take your health back, advocate for yourself, and show up as your best for your kids. You deserve to feel good, have energy, and be present in the moments that matter most. This conversation is your reminder that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Want to learn more from them? Be sure to check out their podcast, The Starting Gate Podcast, and visit their website here: [insert link]. https://www.mylifestyledoc.com/ Support the show
March 19 · 34 min
Pediatric Pelvic Floor Therapy: The Hidden Cause of Constipation & Bedwetting
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re talking about something every parent deals with at some point but no one really wants to talk about… poop and pee. Ashley Leach M.S., OTR/L, lead clinician and occupational therapist at Marshall Pediatric Therapy’s Richmond location, joins us to break down pediatric pelvic floor therapy and how it helps with things like constipation, bedwetting, and accidents. It’s way more common than you think. Some research shows up to 30 percent of kids deal with constipation. We get super practical in this one. Inside this episode: How much water your kid actually needs Why how they sit on the toilet really matters Easy ways to support better bathroom habits When it might be time to get extra help We also talk about the emotional side for kids and how this can affect their confidence more than we realize. If you’ve ever thought “is this normal?” or “what am I missing?” this episode will give you some solid next steps and a whole new perspective. Support the show
February 19 · 32 min
Obstacles are Opportunities: Maddi Niebanck on Stroke Recovery & NeuroAnimation
Send us Fan Mail Maddi Niebanck was 22 years old when a scheduled brain surgery turned into an emergency stroke. What followed was a journey most people couldn't imagine — waking up completely paralyzed on her dominant side, unable to speak, swallow, or see out of the left half of both eyes. Now nearly nine years later, she's living independently, traveling the world, and still making real gains through neuroplasticity therapy at NeuroAnimation of Lexington. In this episode, Maddi shares her story as a stroke survivor, disability advocate, public speaker, and author — and what it felt like to open a heavy door with her affected hand for the first time. "Obstacles are opportunities." — Maddi Niebanck 🎙️ Help! I Have Kids | Episode 27 Support the show
February 12 · 53 min
ABA Therapy: A Collaborative Approach with BCBA Jill Moore
Send us Fan Mail ABA therapy has evolved — and so has the conversation around it. In this episode, we break down: ✔ Where ABA started ✔ How it’s changed over time ✔ Common misconceptions ✔ What collaborative, child-centered ABA looks like today ✔ How our program integrates ABA with OT, Speech & PT Modern ABA isn’t about compliance or changing a child’s personality. It’s about building communication, independence, and real-life skills in supportive, meaningful ways. If you’re navigating an autism diagnosis or exploring therapy options, we hope this brings clarity and peace of mind. Support the show
February 5 · 53 min
Teaching Kids Empathy, Inclusion, & Self-Awareness Through Storytelling | Susan Mills
Send us Fan Mail We talk about Susan’s path into autism advocacy and the passion behind her award-winning DinoSprout Educational Book Series—stories that use lovable dinosaur characters to teach empathy, inclusion, self-awareness, and acceptance. These books are designed to help kids, parents, and educators start healthy conversations around differences and emotions. Explore Susan’s books and learn more: 📘 DinoSprout Book Series: https://rainbowsparrowbooks.com/dinosprout-educational-book-series/ 🦖 Shop Individual Books: https://rainbowsparrowbooks.com/current-books/ 🌈 Rainbow Sparrow Publishing: https://rainbowsparrowbooks.com/current-books/ Follow her journey: @susanmillsmedia Support the show
January 29 · 29 min
From High Risk Pregnancy, CP Diagnosis, to First Steps: Kelsey Brooks’ Story of Advocacy
Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode, Kelsey Brooks shares her personal journey from a high-risk pregnancy and a CP diagnosis to celebrating her son’s first steps. She gives her testimony on what it truly means to be the head of your child’s medical team and advocate for the best care. Kelsey opens up about navigating therapies, celebrating small victories, and finding the strength to keep going. Her story is a powerful reminder that advocacy and love can create a better quality of life for your child. ✨ Click the link below to follow us on all socials and keep up with your mom community! https://linktr.ee/helpihavekidspodcast Support the show
January 21 · 28 min
AAC Devices: Creating Connection with Your Child | Taylor Denney, SLP
Send us Fan Mail AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) can be the next step in helping your child find their voice and deepen connection with your family. Pediatric speech therapist Taylor Denney breaks down how AAC devices work, busts common myths, and shares real stories of children and families whose worlds opened up through communication. You will hear practical tips for getting started, supporting their child at home, and celebrating every win — because progress looks different for every child, and every voice matters. ✨ Click the link below to follow us on all socials and keep up with your mom community! https://linktr.ee/helpihavekidspodcast Support the show