child development Archives | Page 2 of 3

Grip, Strength, and Success: Preparing Your Child for Writing

Learning to write is more than holding a pencil—it requires the right hand strength, coordination, and fine motor control. This blog explains the connection between pencil grip, hand strength, and writing readiness, and provides practical tips for parents to support their child’s early writing skills. It also highlights how occupational therapists at The Therapy Network (TTN) guide families in developing the foundational skills needed for confident, independent handwriting.

Fine and Gross Motor Skills, News, School Readiness|Comments Off

Dressing Up for Success: Helping Your Child Learn to Dress Independently

Learning to dress independently is a key milestone in a child’s development, promoting confidence, self-reliance, and fine motor skill growth. This blog explores practical strategies parents can use at home to support children in mastering everyday dressing tasks, while highlighting how occupational therapists at The Therapy Network (TTN) guide families with tailored approaches to build independence, coordination, and problem-solving skills.

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

Big Feelings, Little Bodies: How Occupational Therapy Supports Children with Anxiety

Anxiety and emotional challenges can show up in many ways for children — from school refusal and meltdowns to perfectionism or withdrawal. In this blog, we explore the important role Occupational Therapists (OTs) play in supporting emotional regulation, building coping skills, and helping children feel safe, capable, and confident in their everyday environments.

Daily Living Skills, News|Comments Off

From the Therapy Room to Real Life: Where OT Skills Truly Grow

Occupational therapy is most effective when skills are supported in real life. This blog explores how neurodivergent children build independence, confidence and participation through everyday moments — and how OTs and families work together to turn daily routines into meaningful opportunities for growth

Daily Living Skills|Comments Off

More Than Attention: What Australia’s ADHD Guideline Means for Children and Families

The Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Guideline for ADHD highlights the importance of strengths-based, family-centred and collaborative support for children with ADHD. In this blog, TTN paediatric occupational therapists explain what the Guideline means in everyday life — and how occupational therapy supports children to participate, regulate and thrive across home, educational and community settings.

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Why Paediatric OT Works Best When Families Are the Focus

Paediatric occupational therapy is most effective when it extends beyond the therapy session and into everyday family life. This blog explores the importance of a coaching and teaching approach in paediatric OT — one that equips parents and carers with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to support their child’s development in meaningful, real-life moments. By partnering with families, therapy becomes more sustainable, empowering, and impactful long after sessions end.

Daily Living Skills, News|Comments Off

Disability Inclusion Profiles in Victorian Schools: How Occupational Therapist’s Can Make a Difference

Disability Inclusion Profiles (DIPs) are essential tools that help Victorian schools understand and support each student’s unique needs. This blog explores what DIPs are, why they are important, and how occupational therapists (OTs) play a vital role in creating them. By assessing a child’s functional abilities and collaborating with teachers and families, OTs ensure DIPs are practical, evidence-based, and student-centred. The blog also invites schools and families to connect with The Therapy Network to develop or enhance DIPs, fostering inclusive learning environments where every child can thrive.

Executive Functioning, Fine and Gross Motor Skills, News, School Readiness|Comments Off

OT Survival Guide: Surfing Social Functions with Young Children

Attending parties, family gatherings, or other social events with young children can be overwhelming—for both kids and parents! Our OT Survival Guide shares practical tips to help families plan ahead, manage sensory input, and protect your child’s emotional regulation. Learn how preparation, routines, and small strategies can make social events enjoyable for everyone.

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

Why We Value School Readiness at The Therapy Network: Preparing Children for a Confident Start

Starting or returning to school can be exciting—and a little overwhelming—for every child. At TTN, our School Readiness Program celebrates each child’s unique way of learning while helping them feel confident, regulated, and prepared for the year ahead. Through playful activities, social connection, sensory supports, and routine practice, children develop the skills they need to thrive in the classroom. Parents also receive practical tips to support the transition at home and at school, making the start of the school year a positive, empowering experience for the whole family.

Daily Living Skills, News, School Readiness|Comments Off

“It’s Not Just Play: Why Leisure Matters in Occupational Therapy”

Have you ever frozen in a group activity when asked what you do for fun? As adults, we often forget how vital leisure is to our identity and wellbeing—and the same is true for children. In occupational therapy, it’s easy to focus on the skills kids need—self-care, communication, academics—but their wants matter too. Leisure activities, from Pokémon cards to baking to gaming, are powerful tools for building confidence, social skills, and emotional regulation. This blog explores how supporting a child’s interests is not “just play,” but a meaningful path to connection, growth, and thriving.

Daily Living Skills, News|Comments Off

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