In this episode of the Holistic Sister Circle, occupational therapist Polly Benson shares her expertise in child development, fine motor skills, handwriting, and the emotional world of children who struggle academically. She offers a rare, inside perspective from working both as a therapist and as a parent navigating the IEP system—highlighting what children need, what parents often miss, and how a supportive learning environment can transform confidence.

Polly also discusses the creation of the Legiel Liner, a handwriting tool now used in classrooms nationwide, and how small, intentional adjustments can dramatically improve a child’s motor coordination, visual perception, and self-esteem.

Whether you are a parent, educator, therapist, or simply someone who wants to better understand child development, this conversation provides clarity, compassion, and practical direction.

In this episode you will learn:

• Early signs of fine-motor delays parents commonly overlook

• How handwriting reveals a child’s strengths, challenges, and sensory needs

• The emotional impact of handwriting difficulties and how to support confidence

• Why technology affects motor development—and what to do about it

• How the Legiel Liner helps children improve handwriting through consistent structure

This episode is a reminder that every child learns differently—and with the right tools, language, and advocacy, they can thrive in ways that honor their development and identity.

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Timestamps:

0:00 – Welcome and introduction

0:32 – Polly shares her path to occupational therapy

3:00 – Understanding a child’s inner world

4:06 – OT experience in school systems

7:04 – Early signs of fine-motor challenges

9:44 – Technology’s impact on development

11:26 – What handwriting reveals

15:00 – Handwriting and confidence

17:13 – How the Legiel Liner was created

22:00 – How to connect with Polly Benson

23:36 – Closing remarks

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