Parent Home
Therapy Guide
(Based on Occupational Therapy with Children –
Rodger & Ziviani)
Mary Christine S. Gallentes - Pia
Parent Home Therapy Guide
(Based on Occupational Therapy with Children – Rodger &
Ziviani)
1. Core Principle: Participation First
The main goal of occupational therapy for children is to support participation in real-life
activities, not just practicing skills in isolation. Children develop best when they practice skills
through meaningful daily activities at home, at school, and during play.
What this means for parents
Instead of drills, practice skills during:
• Dressing • Play
• Eating • Chores
• Homework • Social interaction
Example:
• Practice fine motor skills during drawing or snack preparation, not worksheets only.
2. The Three Areas of Independence
The book highlights children’s roles as family members, students, and players.
Home therapy should focus on:
Self-Care (Activities of Daily Living)
Skills needed to take care of oneself.
Practice daily:
• Dressing • Brushing teeth
• Toileting • Eating with utensils
• Handwashing • Bathing
Parent strategies
• Break tasks into small steps • Practice every day
• Use visual schedules • Allow extra time
Example (dressing sequence):
1. Pick clothes 3. Put the other arm
2. Put one arm 4. Pull the shirt down
Goal: Child does more steps independently over time
School Participation Skills
Skills needed to succeed in class.
Important areas: • Organizing Home activities: • Packing school
• Sitting materials • Short writing bag
tolerance • Completing tasks (5–10 • Following 2–3
• Attention tasks minutes) step
• Following • Tracing shapes instructions
instructions • Cutting with
• Handwriting scissors
Example home routine:
After school:
1. Snack
2. Homework
3. Pack a bag for tomorrow
Play and Social Participation
Play is a major occupation of childhood and helps develop motor, cognitive, and social skills.
Encourage:
• Pretend play • Turn-taking games
• Board games • Building toys
• Outdoor play
Skills developed:
• Communication • Emotional regulation
• Problem solving • Cooperation
Example activities:
• Lego building
• Cooking together
• Role play (teacher, doctor, store)
3. Modify the Environment (Very Important)
The book emphasizes that the environment strongly affects participation.
Instead of forcing the child to adapt, adjust the environment.
Examples:
At Home • Adaptive utensils
• Visual schedules • Organized toy bins
• Step stool for sink • Quiet homework area
At School • Visual instructions
• Seating supports • Reduced distractions
• Slant board for writing
Goal: Make success easier.
4. Use a Strength-Based Approach
Focus on what the child can do, then build on that.
Example:
Child likes drawing → use drawing to develop:
• Pencil grip
• Writing
• Storytelling
5. Practice Through Routine
Children learn best when therapy happens during daily routines.
Examples:
Morning Routine Evening Routine
• Toilet • Homework
• Dress • Help with chores
• Brush teeth • Bath
• Pack bag • Prepare clothes for tomorrow
NOTE: Consistency builds independence.
6. Teach Skills Step-by-Step
Use task analysis.
Example: Handwashing
1. Turn on the water
2. Wet hands
3. Soap
4. Rub
5. Rinse
6. Dry
NOTE: Teach one step at a time.
7. Encourage Responsibility
Give children simple home tasks.
Examples by age:
Simple chores:
• Put toys away
• Bring the plate to the sink
• Fold small towels
• Water plants
• Feed the pet
Benefits:
• independence
• responsibility
• confidence
8. Balance Daily Activities
Healthy development requires balanced occupational time use.
Children need time for:
• Self-care • Physical activity
• School tasks • Rest
• Play
Limit: Excessive screen time
9. Work With the Child (Not Against Them)
Family-centered therapy is essential.
Parents should:
• Observe what motivates the child
• Adapt expectations
• Celebrate progress
• Avoid constant correction
Progress happens slowly and gradually.
Simple Daily Home Therapy Plan
Example daily structure:
Morning
• Dress independently
• Brush teeth
• Pack school bag
Afternoon
• Snack
• 10–15 minutes writing practice
• Play
Evening
• Help with small chores
• Bath routine
• Prepare cloth
Signs Independence is Improving
Look for:
• Less help needed
• Initiating tasks
• Following routines
• Completing school work
• Helping at home