What if your child’s meltdown isn’t misbehavior—but a nervous system crying out for support?
Understanding Reflex Integration Through Play with Coach Franny
Episode Recap from the RITP Podcast
In this episode of the RITP Podcast, we explore a radically compassionate approach to childhood development with Fran Rubio Katz, also known as Coach Franny. A social-emotional behavioral coach and educator, Fran invites us to rethink how we view behavior—shifting from “What’s wrong with this child?” to “What’s happening in their body?”
At the heart of our conversation is the concept of reflex integration, a developmental process that plays a vital role in emotional regulation, learning, and everyday behavior.
🌿 Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up: Why the Order Matters
You can’t talk a child out of a meltdown. Cognitive tools like logic and reasoning (top-down strategies) require a regulated brain—but many kids aren’t there yet. That’s why bottom-up strategies, like movement, play, sensory input, and co-regulation, are the foundation for deeper change.
Fran beautifully breaks down how blending both approaches leads to more effective, compassionate support.
💬 “Is It the Water or the Fish?”
One of Fran’s most powerful reframes is this: Are we focusing on the child (the fish), or the environment around them (the water)? When kids are struggling, it’s often not just internal, it’s also about what they’re navigating around them.
By becoming aware of how stress, expectations, and emotional energy shape a child’s response, we’re better able to meet them with understanding.
🌬️ The Role of Breath and Co-Regulation
Children don’t regulate alone, they borrow from the adults around them. Fran shares how breath work, mindfulness, and nervous system awareness help adults become calm anchors during storms of big emotion.
Regulation is contagious, when we show up steady, we create space for children to settle too.
🛠️ Introducing: Mindfulness and Action
Fran introduces her newest offering, the Mindfulness and Action program, a four-part series designed for parents, educators, and pediatric professionals (like OTs, PTs, and SLPs). It’s full of practical tools that help you:
- Stay grounded when children are struggling
- Recognize nervous system cues (in yourself and others)
- Turn theory into action in real-time, emotional moments
It’s not about perfection, it’s about presence.
🎧 Episode Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll hear:
- 00:00 – What is reflex integration?
- 01:44 – Meet Fran Rubio Katz
- 04:07 – Her journey into behavior + body-based support
- 08:07 – The science behind reflexes and behavior
- 10:51 – Why emotional connection matters
- 13:16 – “Is it the water or the fish?” explained
- 15:42 – Co-regulation and stress management
- 20:29 – Real advice for caregivers and therapists
- 29:13 – Inside the Mindfulness and Action program
- 30:57 – Final takeaways and encouragement
💡 Final Thoughts
By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why a child’s outburst isn’t always about defiance—and how something as simple as intentional breath or mindful movement can completely shift the moment.
Because when we start viewing behavior through the lens of the nervous system, chaos turns into connection. And from that connection comes regulation—real, lasting, compassionate regulation.
🎧 Tune in to Understanding Reflex Integration Through Play and hear how Coach Franny empowers parents, educators, and therapists to support children with grounded tools, emotional awareness, and body-based strategies that nurture the whole child—from the inside out.
Interested to learn more?
Join our support training to:
✨ Get grounded—even in chaos
🤝 Strengthen co-regulation with kids
🧠 Support your own nervous system too
🚀 Use real tools that work right away
Parents, educators, and pediatric professionals do emotional labor every day—whether it’s calming a meltdown, guiding a classroom, or supporting clients in therapy. This 4-part live series is for you—the grown-ups behind the regulation. It’s designed to help you stay calm, centered, and confident, even during tough moments.
What You’ll Gain
Learn the nervous system science behind dysregulation (theirs and yours), how to recognize your own activation, and real-life co-regulation tools you can use anytime. You’ll get live sessions, a printable toolkit, community support, and practical bonus resources. This is your reset—so you can lead with steadiness, not stress.
YOU DON’T NEED TO GUESS ANYMORE. YOU JUST NEED TO CONNECT THE DOTS. SIGN UP FOR OUR:
FREE Webinar: Introduction to Reflex Integration Through Play (RITP)
PARENTS: Tired of daily struggles with focus, meltdowns, or motor delays?
The RITP Family Bundle helps kids move better, focus longer, and feel calmer — all through simple, play-based exercises that fit into real life.
Get the tools to:
✅ Improve attention & behavior
✅ Reduce sensory overload & emotional outbursts
✅ Support speech, OT, and PT goals at home
✅ Make progress (without battles)
