What Occupational Therapists Do: A Parent-Friendly Guide
- Darling Pediatric Therapy
- Mar 21
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 29
Occupational therapy (OT) helps children develop the skills they need to succeed in everyday activities, from schoolwork to self-care. If you've heard of OT but aren't sure how it works, here's a quick rundown of what occupational therapists (OTs) do and how they can help your child.
What is Occupational Therapy?
OT focuses on improving the ability to perform daily tasks, like writing, dressing, or playing with friends. For children, OTs work on skills like fine motor control, sensory processing, and social interactions to help them become more independent and confident.
How Can OTs Help My Child?
1. Fine Motor Skills OTs help children develop small muscle movements needed for tasks like writing, using scissors, or buttoning shirts.
2. Sensory Processing Some children are sensitive to sounds, textures, or touch. OTs help kids manage sensory sensitivities, reducing discomfort and improving focus.
3. Self-Care Skills OTs guide children through tasks like dressing or brushing their teeth, breaking them into manageable steps.
4. Social Skills OTs help children with communication, taking turns, and managing emotions to feel more confident in social settings.
5. Motor Planning & Coordination For kids struggling with balance or coordination, OTs provide exercises to improve movement control.
6. Cognitive Skills OTs work on focus, memory, and organizational skills, helping kids stay on task and manage time better.
How Do OTs Work With My Child?
An OT will:
Assess your child’s needs: Observe your child’s challenges at home or school.
Set goals: Work with you to set realistic goals.
Create fun interventions: Use games and activities to target your child’s needs.
Provide home strategies: Teach ways to reinforce skills outside therapy.
When Should I Consider OT for My Child?
You might consider OT if your child struggles with:
Handwriting or using scissors
Sensory sensitivities
Self-care tasks (dressing, brushing teeth)
Balance or coordination issues
Social-emotional regulation
Staying organized or focused
Occupational therapy helps children gain independence and confidence in everyday tasks. If your child is facing challenges in any of these areas, OT could be a helpful solution. OTs provide personalized support that can make a lasting difference in your child’s life.
