Empowering Parents: Problem-Solving Through the Lens of Occupational Therapy and Movement-Based Learning
Parenting is full of daily challenges—from managing meltdowns to motivating a child to do homework or get dressed. Each developmental stage brings its own set of questions. Occupational therapy (OT) offers a powerful, holistic lens to help parents understand and support their children. One especially valuable aspect of OT is how it emphasizes the connection between movement and learning—a concept that can completely change the way we problem-solve at home.
At its core, occupational therapy supports individuals in performing everyday tasks that are both meaningful and necessary, referred to as “occupations.” For children, these include activities such as playing, learning, self-care, and participating in social interactions. OT doesn’t just look at what’s not working—it considers how the child’s abilities, the environment, and the task itself interact with each other. This approach, known as the PEO model (Person-Environment-Occupation), enables parents to view challenges from multiple angles—not just behavior alone.
🌀 Movement: A Key to Unlocking Learning and Regulation
One often-overlooked tool in the parenting toolbox is movement. Research—and occupational therapists—have long shown that movement isn’t just a break from learning. It’s a crucial part of it. When children move, they activate brain regions tied to attention, memory, and emotional regulation. This means movement can be both a preventive strategy and a problem-solving one.
For example:
Struggling with focus during homework? Try a movement break every 15 minutes (e.g., jumping jacks, animal walks).
Is your child melting down after school? Give them time to decompress with a scooter ride, swing time, or a walk before diving into tasks.
When parents recognize the power of movement, they can build it into daily routines as a way to support learning and behavior
🔍 OT-Inspired Problem-Solving at Home
Occupational therapists are skilled at analyzing daily challenges and finding solutions that work for the whole family. Here’s how you can apply that mindset at home—primarily through the lens of movement and learning.
⏰ 1. Morning Routines Feel Like a Battle?
Use movement-based transitions to keep things on track. Instead of nagging, turn transitions into a game: “Can you crab-walk to the bathroom?” or “Let’s race to the kitchen!” Combine this with visual schedules to support independence and reduce anxiety.
📚 2. Homework Resistance or Lack of Focus?
Make movement part of the environment. Try offering flexible options like a wobble stool, a small fidget, or simply letting your child stand while they work. Some kids benefit from heavier physical activity—like pushing a chair across the room or carrying a laundry basket—before they’re able to sit and focus.
You can also weave movement right into learning. Practice spelling words with sidewalk chalk, use hopscotch to go over math facts, or act out new vocabulary together. A little movement can go a long way in keeping kids engaged
🌦️ 3. Difficulty with Transitions or Emotions?
When emotions run high, children often lack the language or skills to self-regulate. OT teaches that body-based strategies—like deep breathing, swinging, squeezing a stress ball, or yoga—can help reset the nervous system. Build a “calm corner” at home with sensory tools your child responds to.
🧠 Teaching Kids to Be Problem-Solvers
Just as OTs “scaffold” skills—providing just the right amount of support before gradually pulling back—parents can do the same. Encourage your child to identify what helps them feel calm, focused, or successful.
Ask: Is there something we could try a little differently next time?”
“Can you tell me how your body was feeling before things got tough?”
“Want to take a quick break and then give it another shot?
These skills build self-awareness and resilience—essential tools for lifelong problem-solving
🩺 When to Seek OT Support
If your child often has a tough time with things like coordination, switching between activities, paying attention, or managing big feelings—and it’s starting to impact everyday routines—it might be a good idea to look into an occupational therapy evaluation. OTs can offer support that’s tailored to your child’s needs, using hands-on, playful strategies that build on their strengths and help them thrive through movement and learning
💡 Final Thoughts
Problem-solving as a parent isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about staying curious, being flexible, and trying out new approaches. One of the big takeaways from occupational therapy is that movement isn’t just a way to burn energy—it’s often the key to learning and focus.
When we start to see how the brain, body, and environment all work together, it gets easier to handle everyday challenges with a little more patience and confidence. With some OT-inspired tools, parents can help their child grow—and even turn those tough moments into chances for connection, learning, and progress.