As a parent, it’s rewarding to watch your child become more independent. As they learn and grow, you may notice they pick up some skills like dressing or feeding themselves quickly, while taking longer with tasks like holding a pencil or using utensils. It’s natural for your child to develop at their own pace, but if progress slows or a skill seems especially hard to master, it can be hard to know what to do next. That’s where pediatric occupational therapy can help.

What Is Pediatric Occupational Therapy? 

Despite the name, occupational therapy is not about helping your child with an actual job, unless, of course, that job is learning, playing, and growing! With that in mind, a pediatric occupational therapist (OT) is someone who helps your child strengthen the skills they need to accomplish age-appropriate daily tasks, and feel more confident and independent.

OTs often focus on areas such as:

  • Fine motor skills: holding a pencil, stacking blocks, buttoning a shirt
  • Sensory processing skills: responding comfortably to textures, sounds, or movement
  • Emotional and behavioral regulation: managing frustration and transitions
  • Social skills: playing with others, sharing, and taking turns
  • Cognitive skills: problem-solving, memory, and organization
  • Feeding skills: chewing, swallowing, and expanding food variety

When a child finds one of these areas challenging, they may begin avoiding related activities. For example, a child who struggles to hold a crayon may resist drawing or writing, which can make preschool or kindergarten feel overwhelming.

This is where occupational therapy can make a big difference. By introducing skills in playful, supportive ways, therapists help children practice until tasks feel easier. As ability grows, children also gain the positive experiences that encourage them to keep exploring, learning, and building independence.

Typical Milestones Occupational Therapists Consider 

Milestones are guideposts, not deadlines. Children develop at their own pace, and it’s normal for them to reach a skill earlier or later than a typical milestone. OTs use the following milestones to understand overall progress and identify where kiddos may benefit from extra support:

Around 12 months:

  • Use a pincer grasp to pick up small items
  • Begin finger feeding
  • Start drinking from a cup with help
  • Show curiosity about new textures and objects

Around 2 years:

  • Stack 4 to 6 blocks
  • Use a spoon with some spilling
  • Help with dressing, such as pushing arms through sleeves
  • Begin imitating simple actions during play

Around 3 years:

  • Copy a circle
  • Build a tower of 6+ blocks
  • Put on loose clothing with assistance
  • Use utensils with less spilling
  • Start playing and sharing with others

Around 4 years:

  • Dress and undress with minimal help
  • Use scissors to cut across paper
  • Draw simple shapes or figures
  • Join group play with other children
  • Handle small changes in routine with fewer outbursts

Around 5 years:

  • Manage buttons and zippers
  • Dress independently
  • Use utensils without spilling
  • Draw a person with several body parts
  • Play games that involve rules and cooperation

Everyday Skill-Building At Home 

There are plenty of simple activities you can do at home to support your child’s independence:

  • Allow your child to dress themselves. Let them experiment with zippers or buttons and only step in when needed.
  • Offer opportunities to explore new textures. Finger painting, playdough, or sandbox play can strengthen sensory processing and help your child feel comfortable with different sensations.
  • Support self-feeding. Provide utensils and cups for little hands, and don’t make a big deal out of spills.
  • Play with building toys. Blocks, puzzles, and bead-stringing encourage coordination and problem-solving.
  • Make chores fun. Turn wiping tables, stirring batter, or carrying laundry into a game your child looks forward to.
  • Limit screen time. Focus on real-world activities that give your child more opportunities to practice important skills.

Even small, everyday moments add up. Working on skills together, celebrating effort, and making practice fun all help your child grow.

When to Reach Out for Occupational Therapy 

If your child’s progress slows despite practice, or they begin avoiding daily tasks out of frustration, it may be time to schedule an evaluation with an occupational therapist. You may want to reach out if your child:

  • Finds holding crayons or utensils challenging
  • Needs ongoing help with routines like feeding, dressing, or toileting
  • Struggles with balance or coordination during play
  • Has aversions to certain textures or sounds
  • Gets easily frustrated with everyday tasks
  • Avoids activities like puzzles, crafts, or group play
  • Has a diagnosis that may affect physical, sensory, or cognitive development

An evaluation does not always mean therapy will be recommended. In some cases, the therapist may reassure you that your child’s development is on track. In others, they may suggest treatment that will provide the strategies and extra support your child needs to feel more capable and confident in daily life.

What Occupational Therapy Looks Like 

Therapy sessions are designed to feel fun and engaging for kids, while every activity has a clear purpose. Depending on your child’s needs, sessions may include:

  • Improving hand coordination and fine motor skills with drawing, cutting, or building with blocks
  • Practicing feeding, dressing, and grooming skills to build self-care confidence
  • Introducing new foods gently in a stress-free environment to ease mealtime challenges
  • Exploring sensory play like finger painting, swinging, or rice bins to feel more comfortable with different textures and sounds
  • Strengthening focus, organization, and coping skills with turn-taking games, simple puzzles, or calming strategies such as breathing exercises or sensory breaks
  • Collaborating with parents so strategies can be carried into home and school routines

The ultimate goal of an OT is to help your child feel confident, independent, and ready to take on new challenges at home, in school, and with friends.

Schedule a Pediatric Evaluation with Tender Ones 

If you’re wondering if your child may benefit from extra help developing the skills they need to thrive in daily life, call Tender Ones Therapy Services at (770) 904-6009 to schedule an evaluation. Our experienced therapists are here to guide and support your child every step of the way.