What is it?
Parent coaching is a collaborative, family-centred approach used by occupational therapists to support both children and their caregivers. Rather than focusing only on direct therapy with the child, this approach empowers parents and carers with the knowledge, skills and confidence to support their child in everyday life.
Together, the parent and occupational therapist work as a team to:
- explore challenges
- identify what’s working (and what’s not)
- set meaningful, solution-focused goals
- develop practical strategies that fit naturally into daily routines
Coaching sessions often occur without the child present, allowing space for open discussion, reflection and planning.
Research supports this approach. Novak & Honan (2019) highlight that parent education and collaboration lead to improved functional outcomes and greater progress across environments.
How does it work?
Parent coaching can be flexible and tailored to your family’s needs. Sessions may be delivered:
- face-to-face
- online (telehealth)
- over the phone
- within or alongside your child’s therapy sessions
This flexibility allows support to be embedded into real-life contexts, where it matters most.
Roles in Collaboration
The Occupational Therapist
Your therapist brings expertise in child development, sensory processing, emotional regulation and evidence-based therapeutic strategies that support participation and independence.
The Parent or Carer
You are the expert on your child. You understand their personality, preferences, routines and what works (and doesn’t) in your home and daily life.
Working together
Through collaboration, we combine professional knowledge with your lived experience to create meaningful, realistic and sustainable strategies that support your child’s development and participation.
Benefits & Evidence Base
Strengthens parent–therapist collaboration
Parent coaching creates space for open communication, shared understanding and joint problem-solving. This leads to more meaningful and achievable goals.
Research in paediatric occupational therapy consistently shows that parent involvement and home carryover are key to successful outcomes. When strategies are used consistently at home, children experience faster, more meaningful and longer-lasting progress.
Promotes long-term progress
When therapy strategies are embedded into everyday routines, children have more opportunities to practice and generalise skills.
Case-Smith & O’Brien (2015) highlight that skill development is strengthened through repetition in real-life contexts. This is what supports lasting change.
Reduces stress and overwhelm
Parents are supported with practical, achievable strategies that fit into their day. With clearer plans and a better understanding of their child’s needs, everyday challenges can feel more manageable.
Builds parent confidence
Coaching helps parents understand their child more deeply and feel confident in responding to their needs.
Dunn et al. (2012) found that parents who implemented therapy strategies at home not only saw improved child outcomes, but also felt more confident and capable in their parenting role.
Parent-only sessions: dedicated time for support and guidance
We understand that sometimes the most valuable support happens when parents have the space to talk, reflect and plan, without the demands of managing their child during the session.
We offer parent-only sessions designed to provide a deeper level of guidance and practical support.
These sessions can focus on:
- Co-regulation and emotional support strategies
Understanding your child’s emotions and learning how to respond in a calm, connected way - Play skills and connection
Supporting engagement, interaction and development through play - Building independence in daily activities
Practical strategies to support routines such as dressing, feeding and transitions - Positive and responsive parenting approaches
Understanding behaviour, setting boundaries and responding in ways that support development and connection - Understanding your child’s sensory and developmental needs
Making sense of behaviours and tailoring strategies that truly fit your child
These sessions are collaborative, supportive and tailored to your family’s unique needs. They are a space to ask questions, explore challenges and leave with clear, practical strategies you can confidently use at home.