If you’ve ever heard the term Occupational Therapy and thought, “But my child doesn’t have a job…” you’re not alone!
The name can be confusing, but occupational therapy (OT) for children isn’t about careers, it’s about helping kids develop the everyday skills they need to grow, learn, and participate in life with confidence.
For children, their “occupation” is play, learning, and building independence and that’s exactly what OT supports.
What is Occupational Therapy for Children?
Occupational therapy helps children develop the physical, emotional, sensory, and social skills they need for everyday activities. An occupational therapist works with your child (and you!) to make daily life easier, more enjoyable, and more successful.
This can include things like:
- Getting dressed and managing buttons, zippers, or shoelaces
- Holding a pencil and writing clearly
- Concentrating and following instructions in the classroom
- Feeling comfortable in noisy or busy environments
- Building confidence in social settings
- Developing better hand-eye coordination for sports or play
How Do I Know if My Child Might Need OT?
Parents often wonder if what they’re noticing is “just a phase” or if their child could benefit from extra support.
Some signs that an OT assessment might help include:
- Struggling with fine motor skills (writing, using cutlery, tying shoes)
- Difficulty sitting still or paying attention
- Avoiding certain textures, sounds, or movements (sensory sensitivities)
- Trouble with coordination, balance, or catching a ball
- Delays in self-care skills (toileting, dressing, feeding themselves)
- Emotional regulation challenges, big feelings that are hard to manage
If you’ve noticed a few of these and it’s affecting your child’s daily life, OT could be the next step.
How Does OT Actually Help?
Think of OT as a mix of therapy, play, and problem-solving. Every child’s plan is different, but therapy is always tailored to their needs and interests.
An occupational therapist might:
- Use games and fun activities to build motor skills
- Create sensory-friendly strategies to help your child feel calm and focused
- Break down tricky tasks into smaller, achievable steps
- Give you tools and tips to support your child at home and school
- Work alongside teachers and other health professionals for a consistent approach
The goal isn’t just to “fix” a skill, it’s to make sure your child can participate fully in the things that matter most to them.
What’s a Session Like?
Forget the idea of sitting still at a desk, OT sessions for kids are active, engaging, and often look like playtime! You might see:
- Swinging, climbing, and obstacle courses for coordination
- Arts and crafts for fine motor skills
- Sensory play with water, sand, or textured objects
- Role-play games for building social skills
- Fun challenges that boost problem-solving and persistence
Your child will likely think of it as “fun time,” but every activity is carefully chosen to support their development.
How Involved Are Parents?
You’re a big part of the process! Your OT will guide you with practical tips and activities you can do at home to keep progress going between sessions. They’ll also keep you updated on goals and achievements, so you can celebrate every win, big or small.
The Big Picture
Occupational therapy isn’t about changing your child, it’s about unlocking their potential, building on their strengths, and helping them navigate the world with confidence.
If you’ve been wondering whether OT could help your child, an initial assessment is a great place to start. It’s a chance to talk about your concerns, learn more about your child’s unique needs, and make a plan together.
Remember: Every child learns and develops in their own way. OT is simply there to make the journey a little smoother and a lot more fun.