Daily Routines Made Easier: How Occupational Therapy Helps Children with Self-Care Skills in Phnom Penh

Getting dressed, brushing teeth, tying shoelaces—these everyday tasks may seem simple, but for many children, they are frustrating and overwhelming. Difficulties with self-care not only affect independence but can also impact confidence and participation at school and home.

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our occupational therapists specialize in helping children master self-care routines through structured, play-based therapy that builds both skills and self-esteem.

What Are Self-Care Skills?

Self-care skills—also known as “activities of daily living” (ADLs)—are the everyday tasks children must perform to care for themselves. These include:

• Dressing and undressing

• Tooth brushing and grooming

• Feeding and using utensils

• Toileting

• Managing backpacks, shoes, and classroom supplies

When children struggle with these skills, they may rely heavily on parents, resist participation, or experience anxiety and delays in school readiness.

Explore our special needs intervention program for children with daily life challenges.

Why Some Children Struggle with Self-Care

Difficulties with self-care often stem from:

• Poor fine motor skills (e.g., buttoning, zipping)

• Sensory sensitivities (e.g., to touch, textures, water)

• Low muscle tone or body awareness

• Difficulty with sequencing and following steps

• Developmental delays or conditions such as autism or ADHD

A child who avoids brushing their teeth may not be “lazy”—they may be overwhelmed by the texture of the toothbrush, the sound of the water, or the complexity of the routine.

Learn how our occupational therapy services support these challenges.

How Occupational Therapy Helps

At OrbRom Center, we use evidence-based strategies to help children:

• Break down complex tasks into small, manageable steps

• Strengthen the hand and finger muscles used in grooming and dressing

• Build tolerance for sensory experiences (like brushing, wiping, or fabrics)

• Practice routines in a supportive, low-pressure setting

• Use visual schedules and checklists for independence

Try our clothing change checklist to build structure at home.

Tools and Techniques We Use

Our therapists incorporate tools such as:

• Button boards, zippers, and practice vests

• Child-sized grooming kits (toothbrushes, combs, towels)

• Adaptive utensils and feeding tools

• Weighted items and calming strategies for sensory support

• Visual aids to help children understand each step of a task

Explore how tactile learning tools like shape puzzles build independence.

Helping Parents Build Independence at Home

We equip parents with strategies and materials to practice self-care routines in the home setting. This includes:

• Step-by-step visual charts

• Modeling techniques

• Motivation systems (reward charts, timers)

• Sensory adaptations like preferred toothbrush textures or clothing materials

Consistency between home and therapy is key to success.

Read how we help parents create structure in daily routines.

Real Impact, Real Growth

With regular OT sessions, families report:

• Less morning stress around dressing or grooming

• More independence at school and home

• Increased confidence in trying new tasks

• Reduced meltdowns and task avoidance

• Greater pride in “doing it myself”

These are not just therapy goals—they are life-changing gains for both children and parents.

Let’s Make Everyday Tasks Easier

Self-care is more than a routine—it’s a building block of independence and self-confidence. If your child struggles with dressing, grooming, or managing daily tasks, occupational therapy at OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh can help.

Click here to learn more or book an OT evaluation.