Understanding Your Child’s Needs: Simple Occupational Therapy Strategies for Home

by Beriah Chandoo, Registered Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Every child develops in their own unique way—and sometimes, they may need a little extra support along the journey. Whether your child struggles with emotional regulation, attention, or fine motor coordination, these challenges can show up in everyday moments: getting dressed, finishing homework, or even joining in playtime.

You might notice your child avoiding certain activities, reacting with big emotions, or becoming overly competitive—especially when tasks feel new or difficult.
It’s important to remember: these reactions aren’t misbehavior. They’re a form of communication. Your child may be telling you, “I’m not sure how to handle this,” or “I need help feeling safe and capable right now.”

As occupational therapists, we often remind parents that connection comes before correction. When children feel understood and supported, their ability to focus, self-regulate, and learn new skills grows naturally.

How You Can Support Regulation and Confidence at Home

Here are a few simple, playful ways to support your child’s development while strengthening your bond:

1. Build Motor Skills Through Play
   Activities like beading, Lego building, or using tongs to pick up small objects can strengthen fine motor coordination in a fun way.

2. Use Movement to Reset
   Try animal walks, swinging, or jumping on a mini-trampoline. Movement helps organize the nervous system and supports focus.

3. Offer Choices
   Let your child choose between two tasks (“Would you like to draw or do a puzzle first?”). This builds a sense of control and reduces overwhelm.

4. Celebrate Small Wins
   Highlight effort, not just success—“I love how you kept trying!” helps children associate learning with positive feelings.

Sample Daily Regulation Activity (10–15 minutes)

1. Emotion Check-In: Use a feelings chart (colors or emojis) to ask how they’re feeling.

2. Movement Game: Animal walks or obstacle course with a 'mission' (jump, crawl, balance).

3. Fine Motor Challenge: Use tweezers to transfer small objects like buttons to a jar or kitchen tongs to help make a salad for supper by adding pieces of veggies to a bowl, build with LEGO, peel stickers, create mosaic art with 1” pieces of torn paper.

4. Post Activity Check in: “Which part of today helped your body feel most in the green zone?” (Encourages connecting positive sensations with self-regulation.)

Supporting Growth, One Step at a Time

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Supporting Growth, One Step at a Time 〰️

Occupational therapy isn’t only about improving skills—it’s about helping children feel confident in their bodies and their abilities. When parents understand their child’s needs and bring a few simple OT-inspired strategies into the home, it creates a foundation for resilience and joy in daily life.

If you’d like to learn more about how occupational therapy can support your child’s growth, our paediatric team at Cedar Rock Wellness is here to help.