To help kids stay organized and develop good habits, Becky Balog, a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Adapt & Grow in Richmond, says, “It’s important to realize that kids are not small adults, so not only do expectations need to be realistic, but they also need tools, guidance, and support from the adults in their lives.”
If your child comes home from school and throws their bookbag on the floor, instead of becoming frustrated, Balog suggests backing up a few steps and giving them the tools to change their behavior and succeed. “It could be as simple as installing a hook on a wall at their level,” she says, calling the concept “scaffolding”—structured support that breaks down complex tasks or challenges into smaller, more manageable steps.
Adapt & Grow’s philosophy centers on listening first. Their team’s approach focuses on understanding each family’s unique journey, then equipping parents with practical tools—creating spaces that encourage organization, like clothes, shoes, and toys, so that everything has a home. The kicker is that they must work in a real environment. Real progress happens in classrooms, playgrounds, and living rooms—where kids actually live their lives. Balog says that the Adapt & Grow therapy model “actually works. It’s practical, personalized, and built for lasting change.” Adapt-Grow.com
This article originally appeared in the October 2025 issue.
