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.
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...
Reflect, Recharge, and Get Ready for Growth!
Hi Reader! As the Japanese school year winds down, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and how we can continue to support our children’s growth. As your occupational therapist at Koi Wellness, I’m so grateful you’ve been part of this journey. This year, we explored important topics that empower families like yours. Let’s revisit some highlights and look ahead to how we can build on this momentum: Rethinking Behavior: Understanding Beyond Labels In Is It Sensory or...
🍠Is Your Child "Spoiled" or Sensory-Driven? Here’s How to Tell 👉
Hello Reader! Have you ever wondered if your child’s challenging behavior is a sign they’re spoiled or if something deeper is going on? You’re not alone. Many parents I work with ask themselves the same question, often with feelings of guilt or frustration: “Our child is just spoiled. When they want something, they will do it.” “Maybe we overindulged them, and it’s our fault they act this way.” “They’re just being difficult on purpose.” But what if the behavior you’re seeing isn’t about being...
🤔Is It Sensory or Behavior?
Hey Reader! Have you ever wondered, “Is my child’s behavior sensory or just behavior?” You’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions I hear from parents, teachers, and caregivers. It’s natural to want to understand the root of a child’s actions, but here’s the truth: it’s rarely as simple as choosing one or the other. Behavior and sensory processing are deeply connected. A child melting down in a noisy room might not be “acting out”—they could be overwhelmed by sensory input. On...
🧮 Recalibrate Your Goals for Growth and Renewal 🧧
Happy 2025, Reader! As we step into the new year, it’s natural to reflect on the goals we set for ourselves. How are you feeling about yours so far? If you’re on track, fantastic! If not, take heart—there’s no rule saying you can’t start fresh. Starting over isn’t failure; it’s resilience in action. This year, I’m looking at goal-setting through a lens of cultural connection and renewal. Working with families from diverse backgrounds in Japan, I’m reminded that new beginnings aren’t confined...
⚽️ Kickstart Your New Year with Goal-Setting Tools 🥅
Hello Reader! As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect, recharge, and set your intentions for 2025. Whether your goals are big or small, turning them into actionable steps can help you stay motivated and make the most of the year ahead. In my last blog post here, I share two structured approaches to goal-setting—SMART Goals and the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS). These tools have been game-changers in my own life and can help you clarify, track, and achieve your goals. Why...
🛠️ Building Resilience in Multicultural Kids
Hello Reader, In the latest Koi Wellness blog here, I explore a topic close to my heart—how multicultural, multilingual, and third-culture kids (TCKs) navigate identity, belonging, and communication. These children face unique challenges, and as a TCK myself, I’ve experienced many of these firsthand. Growing up in Japan in the '90s and 2000s, the culture was far more homogenous than it is today, and I stood out like a sore thumb—or as the Japanese proverb says, “The nail that sticks out gets...
Back to School: Turning Nerves into Opportunities!
Hey Reader! As the school year kicks off, many of us are adjusting to new routines, environments, and challenges—whether it’s a new school, new teachers, or even just getting back into the swing of things. It can be overwhelming, but what if we turned that nervous energy into an opportunity for growth and excitement? I recently began an exciting new consulting role at Neurodiversity School in Tokyo (NSIT), and this transition has reminded me just how important preparation, patience, and...
🪧Signs, Impact, and Next Steps 🪜: Primitive Reflexes
Hello Reader! I hope you’re doing well! In our last newsletter, we explored the basics of primitive reflexes and why their integration is so crucial for your child’s development. For example, when someone is trying to get your attention and they gently tap you on the shoulder. If you were not expecting to be touched, this touch may naturally startle you. Or maybe, you’re in the library reading a book and someone drops a book and it makes a loud noise. You may be startled by this unexpected...
🔑 Ready to Unlock Your Child’s Potential? Primitive Reflexes
Hello Reader! Have you ever wondered what's behind those small, automatic movements your baby makes? From their first startled reaction to their tiny fingers gripping your hand—these are more than just adorable moments. They’re part of a complex process that plays a crucial role in your child's early development. In our latest blog post, "Why Primitive Reflexes Matter for Your Child’s Growth," we explore the fascinating world of primitive reflexes—those automatic responses that start...
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.