The Power of Play: Occupational Therapy Through a Parent’s Eyes

When I was told that my 8 month old son qualified for Occupational Therapy, I honestly had no idea what it was. So, he was going to get help in his “occupation”? But he’s 8 months old, so what kind of an occupation does he actually have?

Well, it turns out that it is an 8 month old’s JOB to PLAY. It may seem like they’re just flopping around on the ground and drooling on all your stuff. But by exploring, they are figuring out what it takes to survive in the world, and they’re learning how to do it all. 

Miss Jasmine (our wonderful therapist) started showing up at my house for an hour a week to literally play with my son. It was kind of confusing at first, but our whole family began to look forward to Miss Jasmine’s visits. In fact, it’s now one of Miri’s favorite times of the week because Miss Jasmine brings over all sorts of new toys to play with. 

In the beginning, we focused on helping Azi meet his milestones and integrating these milestones into our every day lives. Azi’s first goal was to crawl. So Miss Jasmine helped us to use what we had around the house to encourage him to get moving. It was literally “learning by playing”. As Mr. Rogers said, “Play is really the work of childhood.” And these words have been engrained on me and now affect how I run my family. 

Power of Play

Azi’s been in OT, once a week, for the last year. Miss Jasmine never runs out of things to do with him, because there’s always something new to focus on. Whether he needs more help with Fine Motor or Gross Motor skills, there are always a number of different things that Miss Jasmine brings in her Mary Poppins bag of fun. 

Azi used to get extremely frustrated when Miss Jasmine pushed him out of his comfort zone to achieve a new skill. I remember when we were trying to get Azi to crawl, she would maneuver him in positions to get his lazy belly to come off the floor. Suffice it to say, Azi wasn’t so into it.

But as time went on, the things she was pushing him to do became easier for him. And Azi started to achieve mini-milestones in OT. And through his successes came confidence, and eagerness to do more. So crawling turned into fast crawling. And then crawling turned into kneeling at the couch, which turned into putting one foot out in front to try and stand, and you get the picture. 

Where are we now?

We’ve kind of made it to a weird place in OT. I only say that because I want it to go on forever. I can see that both of my kids seriously benefit and thrive when Miss Jasmine is here. Not only are they totally enthralled with every little pipe cleaner, pom pom, and other sensory toy that she brings, but they also work on sharing, taking turns and asking nicely. 

But as I rave about how I never want it to end, Azi has made such leaps and bounds this past year, that he’s actually measuring 8 months ahead according to the evaluations. This gives me two different feelings: 1) YAAASSS! He was sooo delayed for such a long time, and YAAASSSS we’ve finally made it! And 2) NOOOO, this means we’re likely going to graduate from OT, and we won’t receive the service anymore.

At this point, we’re down to twice/monthly instead of once/weekly. Which is already hard enough for me to come to terms with. Let me tell you why.

Listen, I think I’m a pretty decent mom on most occasions. But there are just some things that I cannot give my children. I’m not a trained OT, and although I’ve had experience when it comes to child development and milestones, I’m no expert. Miss Jasmine is seriously a fairy godmother that comes to our home and gives my kids a boost of confidence, direction and skill every time she comes. They learn things from her in ways that I would never think to try. And for that I am so grateful to her, but at the same time, we will feel the lack when she no longer comes. 

Which brings me to my final point…

And then I’ll get off my soap box. If you’re a mom whose child is struggling, or is delayed in any fashion, do not be ashamed to seek help. Therapy of any kind is not a stigma any longer. It’s not the scarlet letter that will ruin your child’s reputation forever. (Take note of these words when it comes to adult therapists too!) Not only will therapy likely help your child, but it could far exceed your expectations. I know mine have been exceeded, multiple times over, and I am so thankful.

So if you come to a crossroads where there is even the slightest chance that your child might need Occupational Therapy, JUMP ON THAT CHANCE. There is no way you’ll regret it as a parent. And your child, and quite possibly your entire family, will benefit. 

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