SELF-CARE AND FEEDING

Self-Care and Feeding Skills in Ottawa

Getting dressed, using the toilet and eating meals are big parts of growing up. For some children, these daily tasks are a source of stress for the whole family. At Ottawa OT, our registered occupational therapists help children and youth build self-care skills. Our OTs are registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO). We see children at home, at school or online, anywhere in Ottawa.

What self-care and feeding skills involve

Self-care skills are the everyday tasks children learn to do for themselves. Occupational therapists sometimes call these "activities of daily living." They include:

• Dressing: putting on and taking off clothes, shoes and coats, and managing buttons and zippers

• Toileting: the routine and motor skills involved in using the toilet, like managing clothing and hygiene

• Grooming: brushing teeth, washing hands, bathing and hair care

• Mealtime skills: sitting at the table, using utensils, drinking from a cup and opening containers

• Food exploration: becoming comfortable with new foods, textures and smells

These tasks draw on many skills at once. They involve fine motor control, body awareness, sensory processing and planning the steps in order. When one piece is hard, the whole task can feel overwhelming.

Signs your child may benefit from self-care support

Children learn self-care skills at different ages. You might consider support if you notice:

• Dressing takes a very long time or always needs your help

• Your child can't yet manage buttons, zippers or shoelaces when peers can

• Toilet routines are a frequent struggle

• Toothbrushing, hair brushing or bath time often lead to upset

• Your child eats a very small range of foods

• New foods or certain textures cause strong reactions

• Using a fork, spoon or open cup is very hard

• Sitting at the table for a meal is a challenge

• Your child avoids messy hands or face during meals

A short conversation can help you decide if an occupational therapy assessment is a good next step.

How our OTs help with self-care and feeding

Our paediatric occupational therapy begins with an initial assessment. Your OT asks about your child's daily routines and watches how they approach tasks. They look at motor skills, sensory preferences and how your child plans each step.

Next, we set goals with you. Goals are specific and practical. For example, a goal might be putting on a coat for recess, or trying a new food at dinner.

Therapy is then planned as a 10-session block. A block gives time to practise skills in small steps. It also lets your OT review progress and adjust the plan as needed. We offer session blocks only, rather than single visits, for steady and consistent support.

Your OT may work on:

• Breaking tasks into small, manageable steps

• Visual schedules and checklists for routines

• Clothing, utensils or tools that make tasks easier

• Hand and body skills that support dressing and eating

• Calm, playful food exploration to build comfort with new foods

• Mealtime routines and seating set-up

After every session, you receive a written debrief. It explains what we worked on, how your child responded and ideas to try at home.

A note on feeding

Our OTs focus on the motor, sensory and routine side of mealtimes. If you have concerns about swallowing, choking, growth, weight or nutrition, please speak with your child's doctor first. Your OT can work alongside your child's other health care providers.

Bingo Books: practice between sessions

Our care includes Bingo Books. These are custom OT activity guides inspired by bingo. Your child chooses activities from their card and checks them off. Activities are matched to your child's goals, so practice fits into daily routines.

Where self-care sessions happen

Ottawa OT is a mobile practice that serves families across Ottawa.

• At home: Self-care happens at home, so it's a natural place to practise. Your OT can work in your kitchen, bathroom or front hall.

• At school: With the school's permission, your OT can look at tasks like dressing for recess or eating lunch. We can share ideas with teachers.

• Online: Virtual sessions can work well for coaching parents and planning routines.

Your OT can help you choose the setting that suits your child's goals.

Self-care often links to other skills. You may want to read about fine motor skills, sensory processing and executive function and attention. For details on payment and coverage, see our funding page.

Self-care and feeding FAQ

Can an OT help with picky eating?

Our OTs can look at sensory, motor and routine factors that affect mealtimes. Therapy aims to help children feel more comfortable exploring foods. Medical concerns should be discussed with your child's doctor.

Do you help with toilet training?

Our OTs can work on the routine, motor and sensory skills involved in toileting. If you have medical concerns, check with your child's doctor as well.

My child is older. Is it too late to work on dressing?

No. We see children and youth of many ages. Your OT can tailor goals to your child's age and needs.

What does a pediatric OT bring to self-care?

An OT looks at each step of a task and what makes it hard. Then they help your child build skills or find tools that make the task more doable.

Book a free 15-minute call

Are daily routines feeling like a battle? Let's talk. Book a free 15-minute call to share what's happening and ask questions. We'll explain how our assessment and session blocks work.

Book a free 15-minute call