Koi Wellness with Aya Porté
Join empowered parents and caretakers of children and teens, confidently practicing my proven strategies for ease and enjoyment at home, school, and beyond. The Koi Wellness newsletter provides tools to achieve confidence and self-reliance for your children, so they can finally feel the relief that comes from being understood.
When Life Slows You Down Mid-Trip đź©Ľ
Hi Reader, One awkward step mid-trip, and suddenly—I couldn’t walk. Yes, me. Aya here—pediatric OT, third-culture kid, and founder of Koi Wellness. This summer, a surprise injury left me navigating life in an air cast, unable to bear weight or access my usual tools and routines. Crutches? Painful and clumsy in a city without curb cuts.Showers? Modified to sponge baths.Hair washing? Skipped.Independence? Paused, but never gone. I leaned into the same principles I offer to families every...
Thinking About a Weighted Blanket for Your Child? Read This First.
Hi Reader! It started with a question from my sister: “What type of weighted blanket do you recommend?” As a pediatric OT and sister, I get this question often—from families navigating bedtime battles, sensory overwhelm, or simply looking for tools to help their child feel more settled. So… are weighted blankets worth it? The short answer: It depends. Size guide from Bearaby showing how weighted blankets are designed to fit the body, not the bed. The image displays a 10 lb, 40 x 64 inch...
When Children Struggle, Parents Need Support Too đź’›
Hello Reader! As a pediatric OT, one truth continues to guide my work:Children thrive when the adults around them feel supported. Whether I’m in a Tokyo classroom, a Zoom consultation, or a family’s living room, my focus is the same—empowering parents, caregivers, and educators with the tools they need to support children across cultures, languages, and learning profiles. Read the Blog Post Build confidence and self-regulation in children Create inclusive learning environments that honor...
Feeling Stuck? Let’s Talk—Support for Parents 🧑‍🧑‍🧒
Hello Reader! Are you worried about your child’s sensory challenges, fine motor delays, or school struggles—but unsure where to start? You’re not alone. Whether you’re parenting in your home country or navigating life abroad, it can be hard to know what’s “normal,” what’s urgent, and what to do next—especially when local resources don’t align with your needs. As a pediatric occupational therapist supporting families across cultures, I’ve seen this time and again: Parents want to help their...
Helping Your Child Speak Up at School 🎒
Hi Reader, Is your child struggling in school—but not saying anything about it? The truth is, many kids don’t yet have the words or confidence to ask for help when they need it. That’s where self-advocacy comes in. Self-advocacy is a skill we can teach. It helps children recognize what they need—whether it’s a quieter seat, more time on a task, or a break—and communicate those needs clearly and respectfully. In the past, I discussed how to help children develop self-advocacy skills at home as...
One Simple Tool to Help Your Child Stay Calm 🌬️
Hello Reader, Is your child quick to meltdown, overwhelmed by transitions, or struggling to focus? You’re not alone—and the solution might be simpler than you think. Deep breathing is one of the most powerful (and portable!) tools we can teach kids to help them manage stress, regulate big emotions, and reset when things feel overwhelming. When practiced regularly, breathing becomes more than just a coping skill—it becomes a bridge to self-awareness and emotional control. In my latest blog...
Small Home Changes, Big Regulation Wins 🌿
Hello Reader, Does your child seem overwhelmed at home—melting down in noisy rooms, avoiding bright lights, or constantly bouncing off the walls? You're not imagining it. For many kids, especially those with sensitive or seeking nervous systems, the home environment can be just as dysregulating as a crowded classroom or playground. But here's the good news: You don't need a therapy room or expensive tools to begin making your home more sensory-friendly. With a few intentional changes, you can...
Helping Your Child Speak Up for Their Needs đź’¬
Hi Reader, Have you ever wished your child could tell you what they need—instead of melting down, shutting down, or acting out? You’re not alone. Many children struggle to express their needs, especially when they’re overwhelmed, unsure, or navigating multiple cultural or sensory environments. But self-advocacy isn’t something kids are just born with, it’s a skill we can teach and develop at home. 🗣️ Self-advocacy means helping your child recognize and communicate what they need, whether it’s...
🕺🏻Movement: The Hidden Key to Focus & Learning🕺🏻
Hello Reader, Did you know that movement helps kids focus, regulate emotions, and retain information? It’s true—gross motor skills like running, climbing, and jumping aren’t just “play”—they’re essential for brain development and school success. For some children, sitting still isn’t just hard—it actually makes learning harder. Movement can help kids return to their optimal arousal or “window of tolerance”—that calm, focused state where learning happens best. Some signs your child may benefit...
Why Handwriting Still Matters (Even in a Digital World) 🤖
Hi Reader, In an age of tablets and keyboards, you might be wondering: Does handwriting still matter? The answer is, yes! Handwriting isn’t just about forming letters—it strengthens memory, fine motor skills, self-expression, and even emotional regulation. Research shows that kids who write by hand retain information better, develop stronger problem-solving skills, and build confidence in communication. But what if your child struggles with handwriting? Weak core muscles, fine motor...
Join empowered parents and caretakers of children and teens, confidently practicing my proven strategies for ease and enjoyment at home, school, and beyond. The Koi Wellness newsletter provides tools to achieve confidence and self-reliance for your children, so they can finally feel the relief that comes from being understood.