OT Recommended Christmas Gifts: Meaningful Presents That Support Your Child’s Development
How can parents support occupational therapy goals at home without feeling overwhelmed?
By using everyday routines and simple, purposeful strategies, parents can reinforce their child’s therapy goals in meaningful ways, without adding pressure or needing specialist training. Occupational therapy is most effective when it extends beyond the clinic and becomes part of a child’s natural environment. This is where OT at home makes a real difference.
OT at home refers to the simple ways families can carry over therapy strategies into everyday routines. While occupational therapy sessions in a clinic (like at It’s More Than Therapy) are targeted and structured, a child’s development continues outside those walls, especially in familiar environments like home.
Occupational therapists often focus on helping children build independence, motor skills, sensory processing abilities, and emotional regulation. By embedding these goals into daily life, parents can support their child’s development in a calm, natural, and consistent way.
Children learn best through repetition and routine. When therapy techniques are practised regularly at home, they become second nature and help children generalise those skills into real-world situations.
At It’s More Than Therapy, our occupational therapists work closely with families to create personalised strategies that suit your child’s needs, and your daily life. We know that supporting OT at home doesn’t mean adding more to your plate. It’s about working smarter, not harder.
Here are practical, achievable ways to help your child work toward their OT goals at home:
Use morning and bedtime routines to practise self-care skills like brushing teeth, getting dressed, or packing a school bag. These tasks are rich with opportunities to develop fine motor skills, sequencing, and independence.
Play is a powerful tool in OT at home. Games like LEGO, puzzles, or drawing can support fine motor development. Outdoor play encourages gross motor coordination, balance, and core strength.
If your child has sensory processing challenges, set up a quiet space at home with calming tools like weighted blankets, noise-cancelling headphones, or soft lighting. This can help them regulate their emotions and focus.
Visual schedules help children anticipate transitions and understand what’s coming next, which supports emotional regulation and reduces anxiety.
During meals or playtime, use opportunities to practise turn-taking, eye contact, and expressive language. This builds confidence in social settings.
There’s a reason OT at home is such a powerful part of a child’s therapy journey. When children practise skills in environments where they feel safe and comfortable, they’re more likely to take risks, build confidence, and make meaningful progress. It also empowers parents to take an active role without needing to become the therapist themselves.
One of the biggest barriers for families is the feeling that they’re expected to become experts in occupational therapy. That’s not the case. At It’s More Than Therapy, we believe in empowering parents with realistic, manageable strategies that fit your lifestyle.
We don’t expect perfection. Instead, we focus on consistency, collaboration, and celebrating progress, no matter how small.
At It’s More Than Therapy, we work alongside families to create plans that support development both in the clinic and at home. Our team of dedicated, qualified OTs uses evidence-based, neuro-affirming practices tailored to each child’s unique needs.
Whether you’re supporting a child with sensory sensitivities, developmental delays, or emotional regulation challenges, we’re here to help you build skills that last a lifetime, at a pace that works for your family.
Supporting your child’s occupational therapy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right strategies and the right support, OT at home can become a natural and rewarding part of daily life.
If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to our team at It’s More Than Therapy. We’ll help you understand your child’s needs and provide practical tools to help them thrive in clinic, at home, and everywhere in between.
Book an appointment or learn more about our Occupational Therapy services today at imtt.com.au.
