Rooted Regulation
OT-informed tools for calmer routines, outdoor play, and nervous system regulation
The Rooted LensChildren build regulation through the body first. How a child uses words, focuses, sits, listens, sleeps, eats, or moves through the day is often connected to how supported their body feels in that moment.I use the same lens everywhere: mealtime, dressing, outside, bedtime. Support the body. Adapt the environment. Meet them where they are. Outdoor time is where I see this most clearly, because nature does the adapting for you.Rooted Regulation begins with occupational therapy principles: movement, sensory processing, caregiver co-regulation, routines, play, participation, and the child’s real environment. From there, resources turn those principles into simple, doable tools. Outdoor and sensory play, calmer routines, and gentle body-cue awareness…for real family life.You do not need a perfect routine, or a perfect child. This is not about doing everything perfectly. You need practical tools that help you understand what your child's body may be asking for and how respond with more confidence.
Rooted Regulation is for families navigating:• Outdoor play and movement that supports connection and body awareness
• Mealtime stress and the daily transitions around it
• Sensory seeking and sensory sensitivity
• Big feelings, meltdowns, and the moments of the day that turn into power struggles
Kate Ungaro, M.S., OTR/L
Hi, I’m Kate — a licensed occupational therapist (M.S., OTR/L) and a mom of two, currently pursuing my certification in Ayres Sensory Integration.I created Rooted Regulation for parents who want practical support that honors the whole child. My work is rooted in occupational therapy, sensory processing, outdoor play, caregiver connection, and the everyday routines that shape family life.Right now, Rooted Regulation offers online educational guides and resources, designed to help you notice patterns and bring simple, body-first support into your home and outside it.
Guides + Resources
OT-informed tools for parents who want help underneath the behavior — without overwhelm or perfection.Every guide here supports caregivers - it doesn't diagnose children. Start with a free one. Go deeper when you're ready.
FREE Sensory at the Table
A gentle sensory, seating, and body-cue lens for the kids who just can’t seem to stay at the table long enough to eat. What to try before sitting, how the chair itself might be part of the story, and simple scripts for when words run thin.Best for parents who think: "My kid won’t sit still at mealtime."
Rooted Mealtime Reset $19
Gentle rhythm support for meals, snacks, and body cues - no diets, no protocols, no pressure. Predictable timing, interoception (helping kids notice hunger and fullness), outdoor-timing tips, and table scripts for the hardest moments. Includes a clear "when to seek more support" referral list.Best for: Families where the table has become a battleground.(The natural next step after the free Sensory at the Table)
FREE Outside Instead
You don’t need a perfect activity for it to count. Outside already has everything you need. A simple swap-guide for turning messy indoor sensory play, screens, "I'm bored," and big emotions into outdoor versions using what’s already accessible.Best for parents who think: "I know we should get outside more, but I don't have it in me to make a thing of it."
Rooted Outside Toolkit $19
Nature-based play matched to your child's state, your space, and your capacity - read the body first, choose the play second. Includes a sensory menu, "grading the play" for sensory-seekers and sensory-sensitive kids, and ideas for a yard, a porch, or a windowsill. A porch counts!Best for parents who think: "My child is calmer outside, but I don't know how to use that on purpose."(The deeper version of the free Outside Instead guide)
FREE Calmer Transitions Checklist
A gentle before/during/after rhythm for the hardest little doorways of the day - leaving the park, the car seat, pajamas, bedtime. Scripts included for the moments words run thin.Best for parents who think: "The day is fine until we're moving between activities."
FREE 5-Minute Outdoor Regulation Reset
Five short, sensory-aware ways to step outside and bring your little one (and you) back to baseline. No props, no planning, almost any weather. For ages 0-5.Best for parents who think: "We both need to reset, but I don't have it in me to make a thing of it."
Rooted Routine Reset $19
A gentle 7-day starter for families who want anchors, not schedules. Three tiny anchors a day - one morning, one afternoon, one evening - sized to your capacity, with printable tracker. Skipping an anchor is data, not failure.Best for: families who feel like every day is a battle.(Loved the free Calmer Transitions Checklist or the 5 Minute Outdoor Reset? This is the bigger rhythm they live inside.)
Rooted Family Profile $200 1:1
A warm, structured 60-75min online session where I listen to your family's rhythm, your child's sensory world, and your own capacity - and co-create a few OT-informed next steps you can actually live with. Parent coaching and education, not a clinical evaluation of your child.CURRENTLY WAITLIST ONLY: I will be opening a small number of spots at a time.
Email [email protected] with the subject, “Family Profile” and I will reach out personally when the next opening becomes available.
Click the link below for more information on what to expect during the session.
Follow along on social media: @rootedregulation
Questions or early interest: [email protected]
Kate Ungaro, M.S., OTR/L, is a licensed occupational therapist providing educational resources through Rooted Regulation in accordance with applicable state licensure laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rooted Regulation?
Rooted Regulation is an OT-informed educational platform for parents of babies and toddlers. I share tools to help you understand behavior and development through a nervous-system-first lens — using routine, play, nature and rhythm.Are the guides refundable?
Due to the digital nature of these resources and the fact they are available for immediate download, all purchases are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. If you have any questions about the content before purchasing, please email [email protected] and I will be happy to help.Who are these resources for?
Caregivers of babies & toddlers who want support with:
• big feelings / meltdowns
• transitions + daily routines
• sensory needs + behavior as communication
• regulation + development foundationsDo you offer 1:1 services?
1:1 offerings opening soon. Join the waitlist.
Email [email protected] with the subject line, Family Profile.
Disclaimer
Rooted Regulation is an educational platform created by Kate Ungaro, M.S., OTR/L. The information provided through this website, email, social media content, PDFs, guides, and other resources is for general educational and informational purposes only.Rooted Regulation resources are not medical advice and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Use of this website and its resources does not create a therapist–client relationship, provider–patient relationship, or any other professional relationship.Any content related to nervous system regulation, development, behavior, or lifestyle is shared for educational purposes only. Always consult your pediatrician, physician, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical or developmental concerns.Participation in Rooted Regulation resources is voluntary. Individual results vary, and no guarantees are made regarding outcomes.By using this website and engaging with Rooted Regulation resources, you agree to these terms.
Terms Of Use
By accessing www.rootedregulation.com or using any Rooted Regulation content, you agree to the following terms:
• All content on this site is for informational and educational purposes only.
• Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice, and no content establishes a provider–client, therapist–client, or patient relationship.
• Rooted Regulation provides educational resources (including PDFs, guides, digital products, and general informational content). These resources are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
• Rooted Regulation retains the right to update, modify, or discontinue content, products, offerings, and pricing at any time without notice.
• All materials are copyrighted. You agree not to reproduce, copy, share, or resell any Rooted Regulation content or resources without written permission.Questions about these terms can be directed to:
[email protected]
Privacy Policy
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• Communicate with you
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