Parent Coaching

At Macarthur Paediatric Occupational Therapy we want to build the capacity and skills not just of the children that attend our practice but also the parents and carers. By also building the skills of parents and carers they will have the confidence and understanding to support their child during every day routines and activities. Parent coaching is especially relevant and useful for our children that are 9 and under.

Our therapists recognises that parents and carers are the experts on their own children. Together, they identify priorities, problem-solve challenges, and create practical strategies that fit naturally into daily tasks like play, mealtimes and getting ready for school.

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Coaching involves:

• Joint goal setting: Deciding together what matters most for the child and family.

• Observation and reflection: The therapist might watch interactions and help parents notice what’s working well.

• Modelling and feedback: Demonstrating strategies and supporting parents as they try them.

• Review and adjustment: Reflecting on progress and fine-tuning approaches as needed.

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Our ultimate aim is to increase not just the child’s but the family’s capacity. This way the child gets many opportunities to practice new skills in real-life contexts, even when the therapist isn’t there.

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Education Sessions

Macarthur Paediatric Occupational Therapy therapists play an important role in supporting teachers, families, and communities to understand and respond to the developmental and functional needs.

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Types of education sessions Macarthur Paediatric Occupational Therapy can provide are;

Talks to Preschool, Primary school teaching staff and school support officers:

• Child development and play.

• Emotional regulation, sensory processing and adaptive strategies for home, school and the community.

• Development of fine motor and gross motor skills

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School readiness talks for parents preparing for kindergarten.

• Development of independence through building self-care skills

• Development of fine motor skills and tool use such as pencils and scissor.

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Visiting playgroups and other community groups:

• Education of staff and families engaged in the programs on different topics.

• Providing education handouts for things families can follow up at home.