Hello Reader,

A few years ago, I stepped away from work feeling completely burned out and enrolled in a French bread course in Tokyo. I learned how to bake beautiful loaves—baguettes, boules, croissants. You can see more of them here, here, here, and here!

Fast forward to recently, I decided to try again at home… and let’s just say, the results have been far more humbling.

What I forgot is this:

Bread doesn’t care about your schedule.

There are steps you can’t rush. Moments where you have to wait. Times when your only job is to trust the process.

And even as an occupational therapist—someone who breaks down tasks for a living—I’ve had plenty of “flat loaf” moments.

But that’s exactly why bread making feels so connected to OT. It naturally builds the same skills we support every day:

• Planning and sequencing
• Sensory awareness
• Fine motor coordination
• Regulation, pacing, and patience
• Learning through trial and error

For children, these experiences build confidence and connection through play.
​For adults, it becomes something else entirely—practice in adapting, letting go of perfection, and trying again.

And honestly, parenting often feels the same.

Some days, things click.
Some days you follow every step, and it still doesn’t work.
And many days, it’s simply adjusting in real time with patience and flexibility.

Progress isn’t linear, and it doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.

If you’re navigating those “figuring it out as you go” moments and want support that meets you where you are, I’d love to walk alongside you.

Schedule a Parent Consultation to explore practical, individualized strategies that fit your child, your routines, and your real life. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and ​Facebook.

Till next time! Here's some more bread for you!
​

Warmly,
Aya Porté
Occupational Therapist & Founder, Koi Wellness