Why Play is the Hardest Work in OT

As an Occupational Therapist, I’ve heard it many times: “Becca, it looks like you’re just playing games for the whole session.” 

I never take it as a slight, it’s a genuine observation! When you’re invested in your child’s progress, you want to see them working on the skills they struggle with. But here’s the secret: in the world of OT, play is the work.

When I design a session, I don’t just look at the goal; I look at the skills needed to get there.

For example: if a child needs to work on emotional regulation, they first need to learn how to pause.

We use games like Freeze Dance to practice that pause. It’s not just about the music; it’s about:

1. Listening for an external cue.

2. Stopping the body immediately.

3. Regulating that "impulse" to keep moving.

A child’s brain is wired for creativity and imagination. When a skill is incorporated into play, it sticks. Rote memorization can be boring and stressful, but a game of "Emotion Matching" allows a child to explore feelings like frustration or joy in a safe, low-stakes way.

The most important part of any OT session isn’t the game itself, it’s the connection. When I play with a child, I am modeling expectations and building a foundation of trust. Without that sense of belonging and safety, real learning can't happen.

You don’t have to be a therapist to use the power of play. Today, I challenge you to give your child 5 minutes of full, uninterrupted connection. No phones, no "to-do" lists in your head. Just play. Whether it’s a quick dance party or a round of "I Spy," those five minutes build a foundation of regulation and belonging that lasts all day.