When Play Becomes Frustrating: How Occupational Therapy Helps Children Stay Engaged

It’s normal for children to get bored or frustrated sometimes—but if your child regularly gives up on tasks, avoids challenges, or seems overwhelmed during play, there may be deeper issues at play. Occupational therapy can help. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we support children who struggle with attention, motor planning, emotional regulation, and more—so they can enjoy play and learning again.

Understanding the Signs

Frustration during play isn’t just about boredom—it could be related to:

• Poor fine motor coordination

• Difficulty with problem-solving or sequencing

• Low confidence due to past failure

• Sensory sensitivities that make certain tasks uncomfortable

When these challenges go unaddressed, children may withdraw, refuse to participate, or develop negative associations with learning activities.

What Occupational Therapy Can Do

Occupational therapy targets the root causes of frustration and disengagement. Our therapists help children build:

• Motor planning and task execution

• Frustration tolerance and emotional control

• Confidence through small, achievable goals

• Focus and attention span

We use fun, individualized activities that match the child’s ability level and gradually build their capacity. This helps reduce resistance and create positive experiences with learning and play.

Rebuilding Motivation Through Success

Children need to feel successful in order to stay motivated. That’s why therapy at OrbRom Center focuses on progress, not perfection. Every win—no matter how small—is celebrated. We also provide parents with tips to support their child’s engagement at home through structure, encouragement, and the right types of challenges.

When to Seek Help

If your child frequently avoids play, gives up on tasks easily, or shows signs of frustration or boredom in structured activities, occupational therapy may help. Book a consultation with OrbRom Center and let us help your child rediscover the joy of learning through personalized support.