How parents can collaborate with Occupational Therapists to support their children

Occupational therapy (OT) isn’t just about what happens in a clinic or a school session. It’s about helping children thrive in all aspects of their lives. And for that to happen, collaboration with parents is key.

When we work together, children don’t just “get through” the day—they build confidence, resilience, and independence. But what does effective collaboration between parents and OTs actually look like?

In this article, I want to share seven practical ways parents can partner with occupational therapists to make a meaningful difference in their child’s daily life.

1. Share What You See at Home

You know your child better than anyone. The information you can offer—about what helps, what’s hard, and how your child functions in daily routines—is incredibly valuable.

Ask yourself:

• What everyday activities cause stress or frustration for your child?

• When do they feel most confident or calm?

• What strategies have worked at home—and what hasn’t?

Sharing these insights helps therapists design strategies and goals that truly fit your child’s life.

2. Keep Communication Open and Consistent

Whether it's through a communication notebook, email, or regular check-ins, having a clear way to stay in touch makes a big difference.

We want to hear from you:

• Have you noticed a change in your child’s behavior or skills?

• Are the strategies we’re using making a difference at home?

• Do you have any questions or concerns?

Even quick updates help us adapt therapy to what your child needs most.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Occupational therapy involves a lot of terms—sensory processing, executive functioning, motor planning—that might not be familiar. We welcome your curiosity!

You might ask:

“Why are we focusing on this skill?”

“How can I support this goal at home?”

“What progress should I be looking for?”

Understanding the "why" behind therapy helps you feel confident reinforcing strategies in everyday life.

4. Reinforce Skills at Home

OT is most effective when the same strategies are repeated across environments. This helps your child practice and build confidence where it matters most.

You can:

• Encourage dressing or feeding independence during daily routines

• Try fun games that build fine motor skills

• Use visual schedules or calming strategies at home, just like at school

We’ll always aim to give you realistic, doable tools that fit your lifestyle—not add pressure.

5. Be Part of the Goal-Setting Process

Therapy goals should be meaningful—not just in the classroom, but in your everyday life.

• Does your child need support to?

• Brush their teeth independently?

• Manage transitions without meltdowns?

• Join playdates with more confidence?

We might be working on buttoning, handwriting, or sensory regulation—but what really matters to your child? Let us know what matters most to your family. We can shape therapy around the things that make a real difference in your world.

6. Celebrate the Small Wins

Progress often comes in small steps—and every one of them matters.

Your child zipping their own coat, trying a new food, or using a coping strategy without prompting? That’s a win.

When therapists and parents celebrate those together, children feel proud, motivated, and supported.

7. Trust the Process—and Each Other

Therapy is a journey, and it doesn’t always follow a straight line. Some skills take time to develop. Some challenges take time to overcome.

But when we respect each other’s roles—you, as the expert in your child’s day-to-day life, and us, as the guides in their developmental journey—we create the best environment for growth.

Final Thoughts

Parents are not just supporters—they’re partners in the therapeutic process. Your involvement isn’t extra—it’s essential.

As an OT, my job isn’t just to support your child. It’s to empower you with tools, strategies, and insights so that progress continues long after the therapy session ends.

Let’s keep the conversation going. If you’re a parent, educator, or professional working with children and want to know more about how OT can help, feel free to connect or message me. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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