parent-resources Archives | Page 3 of 4

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

Little Hands, Big Skills: 10 Simple Ways to Build Fine Motor Skills at Home

Fine motor skills are essential for everyday tasks such as writing, dressing, feeding, and play. Developing these skills doesn’t require complex equipment—simple, engaging activities at home can make a significant impact. In this blog, we share 10 practical and easy-to-implement activities that support the development of hand strength, coordination, and control, while highlighting how occupational therapists at The Therapy Network (TTN) can support children to build these skills in a fun and meaningful way.

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

“Too Loud, Too Busy… or Not Enough?” Understanding Sensory Seeking and Sensory Avoiding — and How Occupational Therapy Can Help

Some children seem to be constantly on the move — jumping, spinning, and touching everything in sight — while others become overwhelmed by noise, mess, or busy environments. These behaviours are often linked to differences in sensory processing. In this blog, we explore the difference between sensory seeking and sensory avoiding, why they happen, and how paediatric occupational therapists at The Therapy Network (TTN) support children and families with practical strategies that help kids feel calmer, more confident, and ready to participate in everyday life.

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

Understanding Neurodiversity: Strengths, Support, and Acceptance

This thoughtful blog post explores the concept of neurodiversity and its importance in paediatric occupational therapy. Rather than viewing neurological differences like autism, ADHD, or dyslexia as deficits, we highlight how our OTs support neurodivergent children by recognising their strengths, fostering independence, and helping them navigate their world with confidence. With practical examples and a strong message of acceptance, it encourages families and communities to shift from a mindset of “fixing” to one of understanding and celebration. Grounded in respect and inclusion, we reaffirm that every child deserves to be seen, supported, and valued just as they are.

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

“Too Loud, Too Messy, Too Much: Understanding Why Some Children Avoid Noise, Mess or Busy Spaces”

Some children happily dive into messy play, tolerate noisy environments, and navigate busy spaces with ease. Others may cover their ears, refuse messy activities, or become overwhelmed in crowded places. These responses are often linked to how a child processes sensory information. In this blog, we explore sensory processing, why certain environments can feel overwhelming for some children, and how occupational therapy can support children to feel more comfortable and confident in everyday situations.

Sensory Processing|Comments Off

From OT Advice to Real Life: What Starting Solids with My Own Baby Has Taught Me

When occupational therapist and new mum Rebecca began introducing solids to her son Tommy, she quickly realised that feeding advice given in the clinic can feel very different in the middle of real family life. In this blog, Rebecca reflects on the weaning journey so far — from baby-led weaning and highchair setup to messy floors, food throwing, and the realities of timing meals around fatigue and temperament. It’s an honest look at the joys, challenges, and practical lessons learned when professional knowledge meets parenting in real time.

Daily Living Skills, Feeding & Mealtimes|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.

News|Comments Off

From Guideline to Everyday Life: How TTN Supports Autistic Children to Learn, Participate and Thrive

Australia’s National Guideline for supporting autistic children highlights the importance of inclusion, wellbeing and meaningful participation. At The Therapy Network (TTN), this Guideline closely reflects how our paediatric occupational therapists already work alongside autistic children and their families — focusing on strengths, real-life participation and family-centred care.

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

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

parent-resources

Our Pages

Contact

Our Pages

Contact