Occupational therapy at home: 5 things you can try this week

Therapy sessions matter, but what happens between them matters too. Here are five low-effort things worth trying if your child is working with an occupational therapist — or if you suspect they might benefit from one.

1. Heavy work before hard tasks

Carrying groceries, pushing a loaded laundry basket, or animal walks for a few minutes before homework can help some children regulate and focus better afterward.

2. A predictable sensory-friendly corner

A quiet spot with a few consistent, calming items — not a reward, just a place to reset — can reduce meltdowns triggered by overstimulation.

3. Break fine motor tasks into smaller steps

Buttoning, zipping and cutting are easier to build gradually — practise one small part of the motion repeatedly rather than the whole task at once.

4. Give movement breaks real structure

Instead of vague "go run around," give a specific, timed activity — jumping jacks for one minute, for example — so the break has a clear start and end.

5. Talk to your OT before changing anything big

These are general starting points, not a substitute for a personalised plan — always check with your child's occupational therapist before making bigger changes to routines or equipment.