Building Fine Motor Skills and Self-Care Confidence Through Occupational Therapy in Phnom Penh

For many children and teens, learning to manage everyday tasks like grooming, dressing, or applying personal care products can be a key milestone in independence. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our occupational therapy program includes training in self-care routines, helping children develop the fine motor coordination, body awareness, and confidence needed for these life skills—while making the process fun and age-appropriate.

Why Self-Care Skills Matter in Occupational Therapy

Tasks like brushing hair, buttoning shirts, or even experimenting with makeup involve more than just vanity—they are critical for:

• Fine motor development

• Hand-eye coordination

• Sequencing and planning

• Confidence and identity formation

Many children with autism, developmental delays, or motor planning challenges struggle with these routines. Occupational therapy helps break down each task into manageable steps that match a child’s skill level and goals.

Creative Activities We Use at OrbRom Center

Occupational therapists at OrbRom incorporate age-appropriate, gender-inclusive self-care routines into therapy, such as:

• Practicing grip strength and finger control using tools like brushes, bottles, or zippers

• Role-playing real-life grooming routines (e.g., getting ready for a party or school)

• Using mirrors and modeling to increase self-awareness and imitation

• Encouraging personal expression through safe, sensory-friendly makeup play or skincare routines (for older children)

These activities help children feel more independent, responsible, and socially confident.

Empowering Families in Phnom Penh to Continue at Home

Therapists provide parents with practical tools to support self-care at home, such as:

• Step-by-step visuals for morning or bedtime routines

• Sensory-friendly product suggestions for children with tactile sensitivity

• Checklists and reward systems to motivate consistent practice

The goal is to help children become as independent as possible in their daily lives—at home, at school, and in the community.

Occupational Therapy That Builds Life Skills

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our occupational therapy program doesn’t just focus on handwriting or sensory tools. We look at the whole child—including their daily habits, routines, and future independence. Through fun, functional therapy sessions, we help kids feel proud of what they can do, one step at a time.

👉 Learn more about our Occupational Therapy Services