In this week’s episode of A Sensory Emotional Lens, AnnMarie Murphy and OT doctoral student Alexis continue the “Screen with Purpose” series — turning the focus from screens themselves to the children behind them.
Every child experiences screens differently. Some turn to them for comfort, some for excitement, and others for connection or escape. Through a sensory emotional lens, we can uncover why screens hold such appeal and learn how to guide our kids toward balance — with playful, meaningful off-screen alternatives that meet their individual sensory and emotional needs.
Alexis and AnnMarie walk through five Sensory Emotional Personality (SEP) profiles — from the anxious yet deeply feeling to the scattered yet intentional and passionate — and share practical, connection-based ideas to help parents and caregivers nurture regulation, independence, and creativity in everyday life. Whether it’s creating safe forts, superhero rescue missions, or cooking as activation, these strategies help you connect before you disconnect — strengthening relationships while supporting growth, regulation, and confidence.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
How to view screen time through a Sensory Emotional Lens
The five Sensory Emotional Personalities (SEPs) — and how screens show up differently for each
Simple, low-prep activities that balance screen and off-screen engagement
How to replace “easy” screen time with intentional, regulating alternatives
Why connection, curiosity, and co-regulation are key to balanced routines
The importance of the “connect before you disconnect” mindset for both parents and kids
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About
AnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, CIMI-2
Occupational Therapist, Great Kids Place
AnnMarie Murphy is an Occupational Therapist with advanced training and certification from the Sensory Treatment and Research (STAR) Institute, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder. She holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from American International College and a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Temple University.
Her background also includes a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, supporting her focus on the neurobiology of sensory processing and the impacts SPD can have on social-emotional development, parent stress, and family dynamics.
Alexis Faria, OTD Candidate
Alexis Faria is a doctoral student in Occupational Therapy at Kean University. She first joined the Great Kids Place community during her fieldwork in the spring, where she had the privilege of working closely with Michele and the team while learning the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model. Alexis is now thrilled to return for her doctoral residency project, Screens with Purpose: Fostering Intentional Tech Use to Support Child Development, where she is leading a series on guiding families toward balanced and purposeful screen time.
A Tribute to Michele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E®
Founder, Great Kids Place and the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent Frame of Reference
Michele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E®, dedicated her life to supporting children and families with sensory processing and social-emotional challenges. As both a professional and a parent of two sensory children, she combined expertise with deep personal understanding.
Passionate about empowering families and mentoring therapists, Michele taught internationally, consulted with schools, and co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the leading textbook in the field. At the time of her passing, she was writing books to help families recognize their Sensory Emotional Personality styles and discover strength and joy within them.
Though gone too soon, Michele’s legacy endures in the lives she touched, the community she built, and the vision she entrusted us to carry forward.