Why Kids Need Occupational Therapy

Could Your Child Benefit from OT?

Does your child find certain daily tasks harder than expected—like getting dressed, joining playground games, moving smoothly between activities, or managing big feelings? You’re not alone. Many children experience challenges with everyday activities, and these differences are part of what makes them unique.

At On The Ball Pediatrics in Ottawa, our kids occupational therapy programs are designed to meet children where they are, build on their strengths, and create supportive strategies for growth. We help with motor skills, developmental support, sensory regulation, transitions, emotional regulation, and mental health—always with a focus on building safety, trust, and connection.

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Why Kids Occupational Therapy Matters

Occupational therapy for children supports participation in daily life—whether that’s writing, brushing teeth, playing sports, or engaging with friends. We focus on helping children do more of what matters to them, in ways that feel safe and empowering.

Without this support, some children may experience unnecessary frustration, disconnection from peers, challenges with transitions, difficulty regulating emotions, or fatigue in their daily routines. With it, they can develop strategies, gain confidence, and thrive in environments that might otherwise feel overwhelming.

How Occupational Therapy Supports Development

1. Motor Skills

Motor skills include both small and large movements that allow children to move confidently, interact with their environment, and complete everyday tasks. OTs use engaging, creative, and child-led activities that promote coordination, balance, and strength—always adapted to each child’s interests and abilities.

Examples include:

• Painting, drawing, or other art projects that build hand control and creativity
  
  
• Playing board games designed to promote dexterity, problem-solving, and turn-taking
  
  
• Building LEGO or complex construction sets tailored to the child’s current skill level, then gradually increasing complexity
  
  
• Crafting projects such as cutting, folding, or gluing, which improve both planning and hand coordination
  
  
• Cooking or baking activities that involve mixing, pouring, or rolling dough for functional strength and motor control
  
  
• Garden-based tasks like planting seeds or using small tools, combining sensory and motor skill development
  
  

Each activity is graded—meaning we adjust difficulty in small, manageable steps—so your child experiences consistent success while progressing at a pace that works for them.

2. Gross Motor and Coordination

Gross motor skills involve larger movements that support posture, balance, and overall body confidence. A strong and well-coordinated body is the foundation for so many daily activities—from sitting upright at a desk to running on the playground.

One area we pay special attention to is core strength. The muscles in the abdomen, back, and pelvis don’t just help with posture—they also play an important role in self-regulation. When a child’s core is stable, their body feels more secure, making it easier to focus, stay calm, and transition between activities.

Core strength is also closely linked to toileting. The same muscles that help with balance and stability support the control needed for bowel and bladder function. Weakness in this area can make toileting more challenging, which may lead to frustration or avoidant behaviours.

In therapy, we integrate fun, movement-based activities that help build this foundation, such as:

• Obstacle courses that challenge balance and strength
  
  
• Animal walks (bear, crab, or frog jumps) to activate the core
  
  
• Climbing activities that encourage whole-body engagement
  
  
• Yoga-inspired poses to promote stability and calm
  
  
• Seated balance games to strengthen the trunk while promoting attention
  
  

By supporting gross motor and core development, we’re not just improving physical skills—we’re helping children feel more regulated, confident, and capable in many aspects of daily life, including toileting success.

3. Sensory Processing and Self-Regulation

Some children experience the world more intensely or less intensely than others when it comes to sights, sounds, touch, movement, or other sensory input. This is a normal part of human diversity, but it can impact participation in daily routines.

Occupational therapy helps children and families understand these sensory differences and provides strategies for regulation that respect the child’s needs and preferences.

Our approach can include:

• Movement-based input (swinging, climbing, jumping) to help the body feel more organized
  
  
• Deep pressure and proprioceptive activities (pushing, pulling, carrying weighted items) to promote calm
  
  
• Environmental adjustments (softer lighting, quieter spaces, visual supports) to create comfort
  
  
• Tactile play (exploring textures at the child’s pace) to build sensory confidence
  
  
• Personalized regulation plans that can be used at home, school, and in the community
  
  

These supports help children feel safe in their bodies, manage big feelings, and stay engaged in learning and play without forcing them to “fit in” to a one-size-fits-all approach.

4. Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Support

Occupational therapy also plays a powerful role in emotional well-being. Our therapists know that connection and trust are the foundation for growth. We create therapy spaces where children feel understood, respected, and free to be themselves.

Through play, problem-solving, and supportive interaction, we help children:

• Recognize and communicate their needs
  
  
• Build coping strategies for frustration or anxiety
  
  
• Manage transitions with greater ease
  
  
• Develop confidence in social situations
  
  
• Strengthen relationships with peers and adults
  
  

When children feel safe and connected, they’re more willing to take on new challenges, explore different activities, and embrace their own capabilities.

FAQs About Kids Occupational Therapy

Q: How do I know if my child could benefit from OT?
A: If your child is finding daily routines, school tasks, social participation, transitions, or emotional regulation more challenging than expected—or if you want to support their strengths and functional participation in activities that matter to them—an OT assessment can be a great first step.

Q: What happens during the first appointment?
A: The initial assessment is about more than testing skills—it’s the beginning of building a connection with your child and family. Before you come in, we’ll have an initial phone call to learn about your concerns and priorities. During the session, the OT will focus on the areas you’ve discussed. For example, if toileting is a concern, we may look at sensory processing, core strength, and stability.

Assessments are always play-based and child-led so your child feels comfortable and engaged. Depending on the concerns, we might explore:

• Retained primitive reflexes
  
  
• Nervous system state — noticing whether your child’s body and behaviour are showing signs of social engagement (calm, connected), fight/flight (hyper-alert, ready to run or react), freeze/fawn (shut down or overly compliant), or withdrawal. This helps us understand how safe and regulated your child feels in different moments, so we can adapt activities to meet them where they are.
  
  
• Motor skills and coordination
  
  
• Core strength and stability
  
  
• Other areas connected to the challenges you’ve shared
  
  

We can include standardized assessments if needed, but it’s not always necessary right away. Our therapists are skilled at creatively assessing children—whether or not they can tolerate a structured assessment—so we can gather meaningful insights while keeping the experience positive.

Q: Is OT covered by insurance?
A: Many insurance plans cover OT services. We can guide you on checking coverage and any referral requirements.

Building Functional Participation and Confidence

Our goal is to help children feel capable, understood, and proud of their achievements—whether that’s mastering a new skill, moving smoothly through transitions, joining a group activity, or feeling calm in a busy classroom.

We break tasks into manageable steps, celebrate progress, and adapt activities so every child can participate meaningfully at their own pace. The result? More confidence, more engagement, and more joy in everyday life.

Book Kids Occupational Therapy in Ottawa Today

Every child has their own timeline for growth—and the right support can make that journey smoother and more positive.

📅 Ready to take the next step?
Book your consultation with On The Ball Pediatrics in Kanata and Orleans and start your child’s journey toward functional participation, confidence, and emotional well-being.