Families and Occupational Therapy - A Team Effort
A common reason that children start therapy at a later stage then they should, is that parents are afraid, resistant or reluctant to acknowledge that their child is experiencing difficulties.
Whilst these emotions are completely normal, would it not be helpful to know that the Occupational Therapy process can be empowering for a child's family members?
When I first started practising as a paediatric OT, I quickly realised that my “clients” were not only the children that I was working with but also their parents, caregivers and teachers.
To ensure the progress of each child, I had to involve as many of their “team” into the therapy process as possible. After all, OT sessions last only a few minutes per week compared to the hours that children spend at home or at school.
So for a moment let’s shift our attention away from the little humans in our lives, to the moms, dads, grandmothers, grandfathers and caregivers that make the time and effort to be a part of the OT journey and often move mountains to sit in on their children’s therapy sessions.
Here is what some parents whose children are currently receiving OT at KidzCan Durban, had to say when I asked them: "What has OT meant to you as a parent?"
“OT has been vital in assisting us with understanding and communicating with our son.”
“The OT experience has taught me that activities that seem like games are actually an important part of stimulating learning.”
"OT has helped us to understand how to interact with our daughter. We now have a better understanding of her strengths and weaknesses and this has guided us to make the right decisions for her schooling which has helped her grow into a confident and responsible young lady.”
“OT has helped us understand and harness our child’s special sensory needs and the therapy has taught us fun activities that help him cope, improve and excel.”
“OT has certainly taught me a few new things. It is relaxing for me as I get to watch my child have fun whilst learning.”
“OT has meant a second teacher, mentor and friend for my child. It has been a positive, eye-opening experience as it has enlightened me on how to deal with my daughter.”
“OT has been beneficial to our son but even more so to our family. We have all learnt so much as we are encouraged to ask questions that will equip us to better help our son at home. Out of all the therapy we have tried, OT has had the biggest influence on the quality of our son and our family’s life.”
Whilst these emotions are completely normal, would it not be helpful to know that the Occupational Therapy process can be empowering for a child's family members?
When I first started practising as a paediatric OT, I quickly realised that my “clients” were not only the children that I was working with but also their parents, caregivers and teachers.
To ensure the progress of each child, I had to involve as many of their “team” into the therapy process as possible. After all, OT sessions last only a few minutes per week compared to the hours that children spend at home or at school.
So for a moment let’s shift our attention away from the little humans in our lives, to the moms, dads, grandmothers, grandfathers and caregivers that make the time and effort to be a part of the OT journey and often move mountains to sit in on their children’s therapy sessions.
Here is what some parents whose children are currently receiving OT at KidzCan Durban, had to say when I asked them: "What has OT meant to you as a parent?"
“OT has been vital in assisting us with understanding and communicating with our son.”
“The OT experience has taught me that activities that seem like games are actually an important part of stimulating learning.”
"OT has helped us to understand how to interact with our daughter. We now have a better understanding of her strengths and weaknesses and this has guided us to make the right decisions for her schooling which has helped her grow into a confident and responsible young lady.”
“OT has helped us understand and harness our child’s special sensory needs and the therapy has taught us fun activities that help him cope, improve and excel.”
“OT has certainly taught me a few new things. It is relaxing for me as I get to watch my child have fun whilst learning.”
“OT has meant a second teacher, mentor and friend for my child. It has been a positive, eye-opening experience as it has enlightened me on how to deal with my daughter.”
“OT has been beneficial to our son but even more so to our family. We have all learnt so much as we are encouraged to ask questions that will equip us to better help our son at home. Out of all the therapy we have tried, OT has had the biggest influence on the quality of our son and our family’s life.”
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I hope that these examples will assist parents who might feel uncertain or confused, to consider Occupational Therapy as a collaborative treatment option for their child.
