child development Archives | Therapy Network

The Hands Behind Everyday Life: Celebrating the Carers Who Make Participation Possible

Behind many of the everyday achievements we celebrate in paediatric Occupational Therapy is a carer providing encouragement, advocacy, organisation, reassurance and countless hours of support. This National Carers Week, 11–17 October, the Occupational Therapists at The Therapy Network recognise the parents, grandparents, siblings, relatives and other carers whose often unseen work helps children and young people participate in everyday life.

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More Than Keeping Busy: How Everyday Occupations Shape Your Child’s Health and Wellbeing

As occupational therapists, we know that wellbeing isn't built in therapy sessions alone—it grows through the everyday activities that give children purpose, connection, confidence, and joy. From getting dressed independently to playing with friends, participating at school, helping with family routines, and enjoying meaningful hobbies, these daily occupations are the foundation of healthy development. In this blog, we explore how occupational therapists use meaningful occupations to support children's physical, emotional, cognitive, and social wellbeing, and why participation—not perfection—is the key to helping every child thrive.

Daily Living Skills, Emotional Regulation, Executive Functioning, Fine and Gross Motor Skills, School Readiness, Sensory Processing|Comments Off

Beyond the Behaviour: What Is Your Child Really Trying to Tell You?

A child’s behaviour is often the most visible part of a much bigger story. Meltdowns, withdrawal, refusal, aggression or avoidance may be signs that a child is overwhelmed, anxious, tired, confused or unable to express what they need. In this blog, we explore the difference between behaviour and emotional regulation, why behaviour is a form of communication, and how adults can respond with curiosity, connection and practical support.

Daily Living Skills, Emotional Regulation, Executive Functioning, School Readiness, Sensory Processing|Comments Off

More Than Words: How Key Word Sign Can Support Communication and Participation

Communication is about much more than spoken words. Following a recent Key Word Sign workshop at The Therapy Network, our Occupational Therapy team has been reflecting on how signs, gestures and other communication supports can help children and young people express themselves, understand others and participate more confidently in everyday life. Here, we share what we learnt, what stood out most and how we hope to bring this learning into our work with clients and families.

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Less Clutter, More Play: How Toy Rotation Can Support Children with ADHD

A playroom full of toys might seem like the perfect environment for play, but for some children with ADHD, too many choices can make it harder to know where to start, stay engaged or pack away afterwards. Toy rotation is a simple strategy that reduces visual clutter and creates a more manageable play environment. In this blog, our Occupational Therapists at The Therapy Network explore how toy rotation can support attention, creativity, executive functioning and independent play — without taking the fun out of playtime.

Daily Living Skills, Executive Functioning, Fine and Gross Motor Skills, News, Sensory Processing|Comments Off

“They Can Play Minecraft for Hours!” Understanding Why Attention Isn’t the Same as Motivation

Synopsis "If they can spend hours building LEGO or playing video games, why can't they finish their homework?" It's one of the most common questions occupational therapists hear from families of children with ADHD. The answer lies in understanding that attention and motivation are not the same thing. In this blog, we explore how the ADHD brain regulates attention, why children can intensely focus on activities they enjoy yet struggle with everyday tasks, and how occupational therapy helps children, adolescents and young adults build the skills they need to succeed.

Daily Living Skills, Emotional Regulation, Executive Functioning, Sensory Processing|Comments Off

Crossing the Midline: The Hidden Skill That Helps Children Read, Write and Thrive

Have you ever noticed your child swapping hands while colouring, turning the whole page instead of moving their arm, or using one hand for almost every task? While these behaviours may seem insignificant, they can sometimes point to an important developmental skill that is still emerging—crossing the midline. Crossing the midline is one of the building blocks for handwriting, reading, sports, self-care, and coordinated movement. It allows both sides of the body—and the brain—to work together efficiently. When this skill develops well, children move more smoothly, learn more easily, and tackle everyday tasks with greater confidence. At The Therapy Network (TTN), Occupational Therapists regularly assess and support midline crossing as part of a child's overall motor development, helping children strengthen the foundations they need for learning, independence and participation.

Daily Living Skills, Emotional Regulation, Executive Functioning, Fine and Gross Motor Skills, Sensory Processing|Comments Off

One Step at a Time: Helping Children Tackle Big Tasks Without Feeling Overwhelmed

Have you ever asked your child to clean their room, complete their homework, or get ready for school, only to be met with tears, frustration or complete shutdown? For many children, adolescents and young adults, the challenge isn't the task itself—it's that the brain sees too many steps at once. Breaking large tasks into smaller, manageable steps reduces cognitive load, making it easier to get started, stay organised and experience success. In this blog, our occupational therapists explain why this strategy works and how families can use simple visual and practical supports to build confidence and independence.

Daily Living Skills, Executive Functioning, School Readiness|Comments Off

Beyond the Scores: How the ABAS Helps Us Understand Your Child’s Everyday Life

When families hear the word assessment, it's easy to imagine tests, scores and comparisons. But the Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System (ABAS) is very different. Rather than measuring intelligence or academic achievement, it helps Occupational Therapists understand how children manage the everyday skills that support independence, participation and quality of life. From getting dressed and communicating with others to following routines and participating in the community, the ABAS provides valuable insights into what life looks like beyond the clinic. At The Therapy Network (TTN), we use the ABAS as part of comprehensive Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs) to better understand each child's strengths, identify areas where support may be needed, and develop meaningful recommendations that help children thrive at home, school and in the community.

Daily Living Skills, Emotional Regulation, Executive Functioning, Fine and Gross Motor Skills, News, Sensory Processing|Comments Off

Tiny Backpack, Big Milestone: An OT’s Perspective on Starting Childcare

Starting childcare is one of the first major transitions in a young child's life—and often one of the most emotional for parents too. In this month's OT Insight, Rebecca shares her personal experience as her son Tommy began childcare and reflects on the practical preparations, emotional challenges, and incredible developmental opportunities this milestone brings. Plus, we've included a practical Childcare Transition Checklist and occupational therapy tips to help your family feel prepared and supported through this exciting new chapter.

Daily Living Skills, Feeding & Mealtimes, News|Comments Off

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