Welcome to the New Office and Why Front-Loading Can Make Life Easier for Kids
Updated: Jul 4
“Surprises are fun… unless you’re an anxious brain.”
Have you ever told your child, “We’re leaving in five minutes!” only to be met with tears, frustration, or a complete refusal to move?
It might not be defiance—it might be that their brain simply didn’t have enough time to prepare.
What is Front-Loading?
Front-loading means giving your child information before something happens, rather than right as it’s happening. It helps their brain get ready for what’s coming, reducing the number of unknowns they have to process in the moment.
Think of it like opening Google Maps before you leave for a trip. You know where you’re going, what turns are coming, and what to expect along the way. Kids’ brains often work the same way.
Why Does It Help?
When children know what’s coming, they don’t have to spend as much energy wondering:
Where are we going?
Who’s going to be there?
How long will it last?
What if I don’t know what to do?
Instead, their brain can focus on coping rather than predicting.
This is especially helpful for children who experience:
Anxiety
ADHD
Autism
OCD
Sensory sensitivities
Big emotions during transitions
What is Front Loading and Why It Matters For The New Office Space (For Parents)
Please note: Office Hours for Elevator Access are Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) from 8am to 6pm
The New Office
With a new office comes lots of exciting changes- and also lots of new things to take in! For Children and teens, even positive changes can feel a little easier when they know what to expect.
That's why I've created a short video to introduce you to my new space before your first visit. You can see where you'll go, what the office looks like, and get familiar with the space ahead of time.
Watching the video together is a simple way to use front-loading in real life. When kids know what to expect, their brains can spend a little less time wondering "What's going to happen?" and a little more energy settling in, exploring, and connecting.
Take a peek at the video below and welcome to the new iHart Therapy office!
The iHart Therapy Kids' Waiting Area (For Kids & Parents)
Welcome to the Playroom (For Kids & Parents)
What Does Front-Loading Sound Like?
Instead of:
“Get your shoes on—we’re leaving!”
Try:
“In about 15 minutes we’ll be leaving for Grandma’s. First we’ll put on our shoes, then drive there, stay for about an hour, and afterward we’ll come home for lunch.”
Or before school:
“Today is Wednesday. You’ll have music after recess, then math, and I’ll be picking you up at the usual time.”
Before a birthday party:
“There will probably be lots of kids, loud music, games, and cake. If you need a quiet break, you can come find me.”
Front-Loading Doesn’t Mean Over-Explaining
The goal isn’t to prepare your child for every tiny detail.
Instead, think:
What will be different?
What might feel challenging?
What will happen first, next, and last?
What can they do if something feels hard?
A few simple sentences are often enough.
One Important Thing…
Front-loading isn’t about removing every uncomfortable feeling.
Life is unpredictable, and children also need opportunities to practice flexibility.
The goal is to reduce unnecessary stress so they have enough emotional energy to handle the unexpected when it happens.
Think of it as packing an umbrella before the forecast calls for rain. You can’t stop the weather—but you can help your child feel more prepared to handle it.
A Small Change That Makes a Big Difference
Before your next transition, pause for just 30 seconds and tell your child what to expect.
It might seem simple, but for many children, knowing what’s coming is exactly what helps them feel safe enough to move forward.
Preparation builds predictability. Predictability builds confidence. And confidence helps children tackle life’s challenges one step at a time
See you in the playroom!
