An OT-Inspired Christmas

Let me preface this by saying that I’m not a pediatric occupational therapist. My interest and expertise are strongly and definitely rooted in adult physical rehab. That said, I have taken many classes in college and in continuing my education in my post-graduate life about different focuses of OT. I also have a son, and I have a general interest in staying in-the-know about how to make his life (and the lives of my friends’ kids) sensory-rich and fine-motor filled. I have a few ways on how to make this holiday season full of OT activities for Baer, so let me tell you what they are!

  •   Hanging decorations. We celebrate Christmas in our household, so we will be decorating our big old King of Christmas tree this year. With Baer being three-and-a-half, this is the first Christmas season that he actually seems to understand. He’s already asking when we can put up the tree! I plan on allowing him to assist with threading the non-breakable ornaments onto their hooks and putting them on the tree. I’m not worried about the hooks — he’s gotten the hang of putting hooks on fishing poles, plus he will be closely supervised! Working with the hooks, thread and tree branches will help with fine motor coordination, bilateral hand coordination, and visual-spatial coordination.

  •   Wrapping gifts. Get out the tape and the wrapping paper! Oh, and the safety scissors, too! I plan on allowing Baer to help me wrap the non-breakable gifts we’re giving, and what kid doesn’t love playing with scotch tape? We always have a ton in the house because we go through it so quickly! Wrapping gifts works on bilateral coordination, hand-eye coordination, scissor skills, safety awareness, and sensory skills.

  •   Writing holiday cards (and making some, too). Baer is now at an age where he enjoys adding his “signature” to birthday cards. While we’re still working on his dynamic tripod grasp, he has fun being part of the activity. Nate and I have been sending out cards to our families and friends since we got together, so it will be fun to have a little bit of Baer on this year’s cards! This works on his grasp, his handwriting, his hand and finger strength, and his hand-eye coordination.

  •   Snow play. Here in Wisconsin, it’s almost a guarantee that we’ll have snow at some point in the holiday season. So, let’s play in it! Making snow angels, snow men, snowballs… all of these qualify as sensory play, and even heavy work. Plus, all that cold, fresh air equals heavy sleep for kiddos!

  •   Getting dressed. Okay, so we do this every day and not just in the holiday season but hear me out: cold weather offers a unique opportunity for kiddos to practice getting dressed in those additional layers of clothing! Sweatshirts, sweaters, coats, hats, mittens, socks, boots… Not to mention snowsuits! Dressing is a skill in and of itself, but it also works on bilateral coordination and gross and fine motor skills.

  •   Baking holiday treats. I’m not much in the kitchen, but between my father and my mother-in-law, Baer will have ample opportunities to get his hands in the flour! There will likely be cookies, pies, and breakfast treats he can help with! Here, Baer will be working on his pouring and measuring skills, his fine and gross skills, and his upper body strength. For me, baking also qualifies as sensory skills. And of course, he will be working on his patience!

As a mom and an OT, I go into these activities with the best laid plans. However, on any given day, Baer might be uninterested or resistant for any number of reasons (because threenagers, IYKYK). So don’t force it! Let the kiddo decide which activity is right for them. Just use your best parental judgement and have a very happy holiday preparation season!

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