2 MIN READ
Find Therapeutic Value in Everday Activities with Occupational Therapy
The holiday season can be a magical time for families, but children with physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges that make everyday activities difficult have an increased chance of missing out on bonding activities that make this time of year so special. Occupational therapy (OT) offers support to help children participate in and enjoy this time of year with family and friends.
Occupational therapy helps children develop skills for daily routines, play, and learning, which are essential for growth and independence. Occupational therapists design personalized strategies and activities that promote independence and make daily tasks more enjoyable.
By addressing sensory, motor, social, and cognitive needs, occupational therapy can be a powerful resource for families navigating the holiday season. Therapists work alongside parents to tailor strategies that meet each child's unique needs, helping them feel more independent in their authentic environment.
When it comes to the holidays, children are out of school and off their routines, which might make some of their daily activities more important than ever to practice and develop. Luckily for caregivers, OT skills are meant to be worked on at home, too!
“Find a task that would naturally occur and identify the therapeutic use of that task rather than develop a workout routine separate from their normal activities," says Emily Anderson, an occupational therapist in Heartspring Outpatient Services. "Children learn best in play, so take your child’s preferred play or a family tradition and find therapeutic value in it."
For example, decorating cookies, constructing gingerbread houses, and participating in holiday crafts can require fine motor skills. Occupational therapy sessions provide exercises that strengthen hand-eye coordination and finger dexterity, enabling children to participate confidently in these holiday activities.
Three Occupational Therapy Tips
Repetition, repetition, repetition.
Skills take time to develop, so keep practicing OT skills with your child. They might not get a skill right away, and when they do, repeating the exercise will continue to strengthen the skill.
Shape or create the activity to their level.
Making an activity accessible at your child's level facilitates play. You'll also want to adapt tools for their use utilizing their strengths.
Include your child in setting up and cleaning up the task.
Children love to problem solve and act grown up! Inviting them to help set up brings them in on the action and organization, and cleaning up encourages their responsibility.
Occupational therapy can foster a holiday season filled with connection, joy, and growth for the whole family, allowing children of all abilities to build memories and gain confidence in their interactions with the world around them. With a foundation of support, children can engage in family traditions, connect with loved ones, and experience the joy of holiday gatherings in ways that feel safe and positive.
