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Author: Tayla Gabin, Paediatric Occupational Therapist
4 min read

Have you noticed a child who often bumps into things, seems clumsy, or struggles to sit still? These behaviours may signal challenges with body awareness in children, also known as proprioception.

Body awareness helps children understand where their body is in space without needing to look. It supports confident movement, focus, and a sense of safety in their surroundings.

As paediatric occupational therapists, we often see how essential this hidden sense is for a child’s daily life.

What Is Proprioception?

Think of proprioception as the body’s internal GPS. It tells the brain where our limbs are and how they are moving, using messages from muscles and joints.

It’s how you can touch your nose with your eyes closed. Children use proprioception to climb stairs, sit upright, or hold a pencil with just the right pressure.

Signs of Poor Body Awareness in Children

Some children have difficulty processing proprioceptive input. Signs may include:

• Bumping into people or furniture
• Seeming floppy or slouching often
• Using too much or too little force (e.g., breaking toys or writing faintly)
• Seeking crashing, jumping, or tight squeezes
• Struggling with tasks like buttoning clothes

Why Body Awareness in Children Matters

When kids don’t have a strong sense of where their body is, even simple tasks can be overwhelming. This can lead to:

• Avoiding physical play
• Trouble focusing at school
• Challenges with confidence and self-esteem

For example, a child who can’t sit still comfortably might miss parts of a classroom lesson. Another who feels clumsy may avoid sport, leading to social exclusion.

How Occupational Therapy Can Help

Occupational therapy supports body awareness in children through movement and play. Here are a few strategies we use:

1. Proprioceptive Activities (Heavy Work)

Activities like pushing, pulling, lifting, or jumping help organise body input and improve awareness.

Try at home:

• Animal walks (bear or crab walk)
• Carrying shopping bags
• Playing on playground equipment
• Wheelbarrow walking

2. Body Mapping and Movement Games

Games that involve identifying body parts or moving in different directions build spatial awareness.

Examples:

• Simon Says
• Twister

3. Creating Sensory-Smart Spaces

For children who feel overwhelmed, calming environments with soft lighting, predictable routines, and quiet zones can support regulation.

Building Confidence Through Connection

We use a neuroaffirming, relationship-based approach. That means we honour each child’s unique way of processing the world and never push them to “try harder.”

Instead, we create conditions for their nervous systems to feel safe and regulated. From that place, they can learn, grow, and play with confidence.

When to Seek Help

If your child shows ongoing signs of poor body awareness, it’s okay to ask for support. Early intervention can lead to big gains in confidence and function.

A paediatric occupational therapist can assess your child and develop a plan tailored to their needs—with lots of fun along the way.

Final Thoughts

Body awareness in children may be invisible, but its impact is far-reaching. By supporting proprioception through play, movement, and connection, we help children feel more grounded, capable, and confident.

Together, we can help them answer that essential question: “Where am I in space?”

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If you feel like your child is struggling with body awareness, talk to an occupational therapist for further guidance. Contact MoveAbout today. Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for more education regarding sensory processing and regulation.

Author: Tayla Gabin, Paediatric Occupational Therapist
4 min read

When families begin occupational therapy, the spotlight naturally shines on the child. Parents want their children to feel safe, succeed, and thrive. But therapy isn’t just for the child—it’s for the parent too. Through parent coaching, we support the whole family.

Why Parent Coaching in Occupational Therapy Matters

Children don’t grow in isolation. They grow in relationships—especially those with their primary caregivers. In paediatric OT, we understand that helping a child also means supporting their family. Parent coaching is a vital part of that support.

Through coaching, we help parents better understand their child’s sensory needs, motor development, and emotional regulation. More importantly, we explore ways to build connection that feels meaningful for both parent and child.

Feeling Silly? That’s Completely Normal

Let’s be honest—parent coaching can feel a bit awkward at first. We might invite parents to play in unfamiliar ways, sit on the floor in different positions, or sing songs they haven’t sung since their child was a baby.

It’s completely normal to think, “I feel a bit silly doing this.” These new experiences can feel uncomfortable. But they’re often the starting point for the biggest shifts. We’re not here to judge. We’re here to offer support, guidance, and a space to reflect and grow.

From Observation to Active Participation

In traditional therapy, parents may sit and watch while the therapist works directly with the child. In a relationship-based model, we do things differently. We welcome parents into the session as partners, not observers.

This might include noticing subtle cues from your child, responding differently in tricky moments, or changing how you use your voice or body. Even small changes can make a big difference in how a child experiences the world.

Empowerment Over Perfection

There’s no such thing as the perfect parent—or the perfect therapist. What matters is showing up with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Through parent coaching, parents gain confidence in their ability to support their child.

Coaching isn’t about being told what to do. It’s about discovering what works for your unique family, guided by your strengths and values.

Building Skills That Last Beyond the Session

Your child may see their occupational therapist once a week—but they’re with you every day. That’s why including parents in therapy is so powerful. We help co-create strategies, routines, and relationship-building practices that make daily life feel easier and more connected.

This approach supports regulation, resilience, and a stronger sense of connection for both the child and their caregivers.

A Shared Journey of Growth

Therapy is not a one-way street. It’s a shared journey. Sometimes that means stepping outside your comfort zone. Sometimes it means holding space for big emotions—your child’s, and your own. But each of these moments offers a chance to grow, together.

If you ever feel unsure, awkward, or a bit silly in a session, know you’re not alone. That feeling is part of the process. And we’re right here with you.

Final Thoughts

Parent coaching is a key part of what makes occupational therapy truly holistic. It allows us to support not just the child, but the entire family system. Whether it’s through play, reflection, or new routines, we help nurture stronger, more connected relationships, one loving, sometimes-silly moment at a time.

Whether you join us in person or online, we’re here to support your journey.

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If you feel like your child is struggling with play, regulation skills or sensory processing, talk to an occupational therapist for further guidance. Contact MoveAbout today. Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for more education regarding sensory processing and regulation.

Author: Maisie Thompson, Paediatric Occupational Therapist
4 Min Read

Change is part of life, from tiny daily shifts like packing away toys, to big milestones like starting a new school year. But for many kids, transitions can feel overwhelming, confusing, or even scary.

It’s important to understand that transitions are a skill, one that develops over time, with support, practice, and a lot of compassion.

Why Are Transitions So Tricky for Kids?

Transitions ask children to stop what they’re doing, shift their attention, manage their emotions, and adapt to something new. That’s a lot of complex brain work!

Some reasons transitions can feel especially hard for kids include:

• Executive functioning demands: Moving from one task to another requires planning, organising, and flexible thinking. All skills that are still developing in young brains.
  
• Emotional attachment: Kids often deeply connect to what they’re doing in the moment. Ending a preferred activity can feel like a genuine loss.
  
• Sensory needs: If a child is already feeling dysregulated (hungry, tired, overstimulated), transitions can feel even harder.
  
• Anxiety about the unknown: Predictability helps kids feel safe. Unfamiliar or unexpected changes can trigger uncertainty and stress.
  

None of these challenges are about “being difficult.” They are signs that a child needs support, not pressure.

What Does a Difficult Transition Look Like?

Every child is different, but some common signs that a transition is tough might include:

• Meltdowns, crying, or yelling
  
• Withdrawal or shutdown
  
• Refusing to move on to the next activity
  
• Appearing overwhelmed, distracted, or anxious
  
• Becoming physically restless or aggressive
  

It’s important to remember: when kids are struggling with transitions, they’re not giving you a hard time, they’re having a hard time.

How to Support Smoother Transitions

You can make transitions easier and more predictable for your child with a few simple strategies:

1. Give Warnings Before a Change

Giving advance notice helps kids prepare mentally and emotionally. A simple “In 5 minutes, we’ll be packing up to go home” gives them time to adjust.

Using visual timers or countdowns can also help, especially for kids who find time concepts tricky.

2. Use Visual Supports

Visual schedules, step-by-step charts, or “first-then” boards can show kids exactly what’s coming next. Visuals take the pressure off memory and verbal processing.

For example:
First: Finish playing at the park
Then: Go home for snack time

3. Keep Routines Predictable (When You Can)

Predictability builds a sense of safety. While life can’t always be completely routine, having predictable patterns for common transitions (like bedtime or getting ready for school) helps children feel more secure.

When changes are unavoidable, preview them gently and as early as possible.

4. Validate Their Feelings

It’s okay for kids to feel sad, frustrated, or anxious about change. Instead of rushing past these feelings, acknowledge them:
“It’s hard to leave when you’re having so much fun. I understand.”

Validation helps kids feel seen and supported, and it actually makes moving forward easier.

5. Offer Choices When Possible

Offering small choices gives kids a sense of control during transitions.
For example:
“Would you like to carry your backpack or your lunchbox to the car?”

This empowers children without overwhelming them.

6. Create Transition Rituals

Simple, consistent rituals, like a special goodbye wave at school drop-off or a song you sing before leaving the playground, can create comfort and predictability around change.

7. Allow Extra Time

Transitions take longer when emotions are big. Building “buffer time” into your day helps you avoid rushing and keeps things more peaceful for everyone.

Final Thoughts

Transitions aren’t just “little moments”; they are important opportunities for connection, growth, and trust-building.

When we approach transitions with empathy, predictability, and patience, we’re not just helping kids move from one activity to the next; we’re supporting their emotional regulation, building their resilience, and showing them that it’s safe to trust the world around them.

Every child deserves the time and support they need to navigate change at their own pace. With the right scaffolding, they can learn that while change can feel hard, they don’t have to face it alone.

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If you feel like your child is struggling with emotional regulation or transitions, talk to an occupational therapist for further guidance. Contact MoveAbout today. Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for more education regarding sensory processing and regulation.

Author: Tayla Gabin, Paediatric Occupational Therapist
4 min read

When most people think of fine motor skills, pencil grasp is often the first thing that comes to mind. But these skills go far beyond writing. They are essential for everyday independence—whether it’s getting dressed, feeding oneself, or managing school supplies.

As paediatric occupational therapists, we understand that these small but mighty movements are the foundation for a child’s confidence, capability, and connection to their world.

Why Fine Motor Skills Matter

Fine motor skills involve the coordination of small muscles in the hands and fingers. These muscles support tasks such as:

• Zipping up a jacket
• Tying shoelaces
• Using cutlery
• Opening containers
• Buttoning shirts

When a child finds these tasks difficult, it can impact their confidence and willingness to try new things. That’s why supporting fine motor development early—and consistently—can make a lasting difference.

Beyond the Classroom

While handwriting often gets the spotlight, fine motor skills are crucial for many other areas of life. Let’s take a closer look.

Dressing Skills

Zips, buttons, and laces all demand finger strength, dexterity, and coordination. They also require bilateral coordination—the ability to use both hands together, such as holding fabric with one hand while zipping with the other.

Mealtime Independence

Opening a lunchbox, using a fork or spoon, or pouring from a jug all rely on precise hand movements. These activities build graded control—adjusting the pressure and speed of movement to match the task.

Play and Everyday Tools

From using scissors to building with Lego or turning pages in a book, many play experiences develop fine motor skills naturally. Play is one of the most powerful ways children practise and improve their skills without pressure.

Easy Ways to Support Fine Motor Skills at Home

The great news? You don’t need special equipment. Everyday play is full of opportunities to support fine motor skills in fun and engaging ways.

1. Kitchen Play

Invite your child to help with cooking. Stirring, pouring, cutting with cookie cutters, or using tongs helps build coordination and strength.

2. Dressing-Up Games

Costumes with zips, buttons, or ties make dressing fun. Dolls or toys with clothes to fasten are also excellent for practising these skills.

3. Crafty Hands

Playdough, bead threading, cutting, gluing, or using tweezers all build hand muscles. These activities are easy to adapt to your child’s interests and skill level.

4. Sensory Treasure Hunts

Hide small toys in playdough or a rice tub and encourage your child to dig them out using fingers or tweezers. It combines sensory exploration with motor development.

5. Mealtime Helpers

Get your child involved in snack prep—peeling mandarins, spreading butter, or pouring drinks are great for building control and confidence.

6. Lace and Thread Toys

Lacing cards, threading pasta, or using sewing boards improve fine motor control and encourage the use of both hands together.

Watch for Frustration

Some tasks will feel tricky, especially at first. It’s important to create a space where your child feels safe to try, make mistakes, and grow at their own pace.

Celebrate effort over perfection. If your child often avoids fine motor tasks or becomes easily frustrated, consider reaching out to a paediatric occupational therapist. Small adjustments in your approach can lead to big gains in confidence and skill.

Final Thoughts

Fine motor skills are about more than pencil grasp—they empower children to engage with daily life independently and joyfully. Through playful routines and consistent encouragement, these skills can develop in natural, meaningful ways.

Let’s keep the focus on connection, confidence, and capability—not just performance.

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If you feel like your child is struggling with fine motor skills, talk to an occupational therapist for further guidance. Contact MoveAbout today. Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for more education regarding sensory processing and regulation.

Author: Sophie Robertson, Paediatric Occupational Therapist & Clinical Manager
5 min read

Sleep is vital for growing minds and bodies. However, for neurodivergent children, quality sleep can sometimes be elusive. By adopting a relationship-based, neuroaffirming approach, occupational therapists (OTs) and families can work together to address sleep challenges in a supportive and respectful way.

Why Sleep Matters

Sleep plays a vital role in development. It helps the brain process emotions, build memories, and recharge for the day ahead. For children, adequate rest is key to attention, self-regulation, and learning. Without it, even the most resilient child may struggle to navigate daily life.

Neurodivergent children, such as those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences, are more likely to experience sleep disruptions. These may stem from sensory sensitivities, differences in melatonin regulation, or heightened anxiety.

Recognising Sleep Challenges

Every child experiences sleep differently, but some common sleep challenges among neurodivergent children include:

• Hyperarousal: A heightened state of awareness that makes it difficult to “switch off.”
• Routine Disruptions: Unexpected changes in bedtime or surroundings can be especially unsettling for children who thrive on predictability.
• Sensory Processing Needs: Sensitivities to temperature, textures, or sounds may prevent restful sleep.
• Sleep Anxiety: Fears of the dark or being alone may feel especially intense.

These disruptions can lead to sleepless nights for the entire family. By understanding a child’s unique needs, caregivers and therapists can work together to create better sleep experiences.

What is Sleep Hygiene?

Sleep hygiene refers to the habits, routines, and environment that promote quality sleep. For neurodivergent children, sleep hygiene involves tailoring these factors to suit their individual differences while encouraging relaxation.

It’s important to view sleep struggles not as “bad behaviour” but as unmet needs. Meeting these needs with empathy and a relational approach can make all the difference.

Supporting Families in Sleep Hygiene

Here are practical strategies that OTs and families can explore to improve sleep habits:

1. Create a Calm Sleep Environment

• Keep the bedroom dark and quiet, or introduce white noise or calming music if it helps.
• Use bedding and pyjamas that suit the child’s sensory preferences, such as soft textures, Lycra sheets, or weighted blankets.

2. Support Regulation Before Bedtime

• Balance high-energy and calming activities in the evening. For example, encourage therapeutic wrestling or trampoline jumping before transitioning to quieter activities like reading or gentle rocking.
• Reduce screen time at least an hour before bedtime to minimise overstimulation.

3. Develop a Predictable Routine

• Use visual schedules or timers to indicate what’s coming next.
• Include the child in creating their bedtime routine to honour their preferences and foster a sense of control.

4. Address Sensory Needs

• Check the environment for sensory triggers like room temperature or distracting sounds.
• Try blackout curtains, aromatherapy, or noise machines to create a soothing atmosphere.

5. Support Emotional Connection

• Spend time connecting with the child before bed through gentle conversations or snuggles to help them feel secure.
• Validate any fears they express, offering reassurance without dismissing their feelings.

6. Pace Changes Gradually

• Introduce new habits one step at a time to avoid overwhelming the child.
• Stay flexible, adapting strategies as needed and allowing room for missteps.

Building on Strengths

A relationship-based approach honours each child’s unique strengths and differences. Instead of focusing on “fixing” behaviours, the goal is to co-regulate with the child, build their self-awareness, and empower them in their sleep routines.

For families, the road to better sleep may feel overwhelming, but they don’t have to navigate it alone. By working with a paediatric OT, families can create personalised, achievable plans tailored to their child’s needs.

Final Thoughts

Sleep challenges in neurodivergent children are common, but they are not insurmountable. Using a relationship-based, trauma-sensitive approach, OTs can help families create a nurturing pathway toward restful nights.

Together, we can embrace the unique journey toward better sleep, one peaceful night at a time.

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If you feel like your child is struggling with sleep, talk to an occupational therapist for further guidance. Contact MoveAbout today. Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for more education regarding sensory processing and regulation.