As parents, you are your child’s first and most important teachers. Your home is a crucial environment, with everyday activities providing opportunities to support their growth and development.
Here’s some tips on how to support your child’s development at home.
- Foster Independence Through Daily Activities
Encourage your child to complete self-care tasks, such as dressing, brushing their teeth, or preparing snacks. These activities build fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and belief in their own ability.
- Use Playtime to Teach
Play is a powerful tool for development. Incorporate activities like building with blocks, playing with textured objects, or engaging in pretend play, which improve sensory processing, motor skills, and problem-solving. Outdoor activities, like climbing or playing catch, can also develop their gross motor skills and coordination.
- Support Emotional Regulation
Emotions are an important part of childhood, and it is important to allow children to explore their emotions in the safety of their home. It can be beneficial to teach them simple techniques for managing frustration or anxiety, like deep breathing or taking breaks where needed.
- Provide Sensory Experiences
Offer a range of sensory activities to help your child explore and process the world around them. This can include playing with water, sand, or clay, doing physical play like jumping or climbing, and providing low-stimulus environments when required.
- Create a Routine
Children thrive on predictability, and a consistent daily routine supports transitions between activities. Involving your child in planning their schedule can give them a sense of control over their day.
- Nurture Cognitive Development
Encourage problem-solving and critical thinking with puzzles, games, and challenges. Allow your child to explore their curiosity and learn through trial and error.
- Connect with an OT
Our occupational therapists are experts in child development and can offer personalised strategies to support you and your child. By working together with our OTs, you can ensure consistency between therapy sessions and home practices.
Supporting your child’s development doesn’t have to be complicated—small, consistent actions at home can make a big impact. By creating a supportive environment filled with play, routine, and opportunities for independence, you’re laying the foundation for lifelong confidence and capability. And when you need extra support, our team at Light Occupational Therapy is here to walk alongside you and your child, every step of the way.
Last modified: 14/04/2025
