Family Involvement in Occupational Therapy: Strengthening Skills Through Playful Routines

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we know that therapy doesn’t stop when the session ends—it continues in everyday family moments. Activities like braiding hair or playing with a sibling may seem small, but they offer powerful opportunities for fine motor skill development, sensory integration, and emotional bonding. Involving family in these routines helps children make faster progress and feel more connected and supported.

Why Family Participation Matters in Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy works best when it’s embedded in real life. When parents and siblings join in:

• Children get more practice in meaningful ways

• Skills are reinforced in natural environments

• Family members feel empowered to support therapy goals

• Emotional connection boosts motivation and confidence

Simple daily moments like braiding hair, dressing dolls, or helping with routines can make a big impact—especially for children with autism, ADHD, or developmental delays.

Functional Skills Built Through Play

In the scene above, we see several therapeutic benefits at play:

• Fine motor coordination as kids hold small beads or manipulate hair strands

• Bilateral hand use, which is essential for dressing, writing, and tool use

• Sensory regulation—touching hair and textures helps with sensory processing

• Social and emotional development through sibling cooperation and shared joy

These “routine” tasks are part of our therapy plans at OrbRom Center because they build real-world competence.

How OrbRom Center Guides Family Integration

We work closely with families in Phnom Penh to make therapy fun and accessible at home. Our occupational therapy sessions include:

• Parent coaching and modeling

• Home routines adapted into therapy-based activities

• Ideas for sibling inclusion to build social and cooperative play

• Visual supports and schedules to ease transitions and participation

This approach helps families feel more confident and children feel more secure.

Therapy That Strengthens Skills and Relationships

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, occupational therapy is more than exercises—it’s about building life skills, independence, and strong relationships. Whether it’s helping a child brush their own hair or involving a sibling in play, these moments matter. We’re here to guide every family through the process, step by step.

👉 Explore our Occupational Therapy Services