Daily Skills
What are daily skills?
Daily skills are the everyday tasks that let a child participate in family life, school, and community. These include dressing, feeding, brushing teeth, toileting, getting ready for school, following a bedtime routine, using utensils, and managing simple chores. For older children and teens, daily skills grow to include planning homework, personal care, and time management.
Why it matters
Being able to do daily tasks helps children feel capable and independent. It reduces stress for caregivers, supports participation at school and social activities, and builds confidence. Small skills learned early add up — practicing steps and building routines helps a child learn what comes next and how to manage their day.
What we focus on
We work across ages and development levels. For infants and toddlers that may mean guided feeding practice, establishing calming bedtime routines, or building tolerance for dressing. For preschool and school-age children we practice handwashing, tooth brushing, dressing with more detail, simple meal prep, and school morning routines. For teens we focus on executive skills like planning, prioritizing, and building consistent personal care and household routines. We also support sensory strategies and environmental changes that make tasks easier and safer.
What to expect in therapy or coaching
- Family-centered approach: We include caregivers in planning so strategies fit your daily life, values, and schedule.
- Functional goals: Goals are practical and meaningful — tied to real routines like getting dressed or packing a backpack — not just exercises.
- Step-by-step teaching: Tasks are broken into small, teachable steps. We use visual supports, task sequences, timers, and other tools to make steps clear.
- Hands-on practice: Sessions include demonstrations, coaching while you try strategies, and real-time problem solving.
- Home and school carryover: We give simple plans you can use at home and share with teachers or babysitters so gains transfer to daily life.
- Ongoing adjustment: As your child learns, we adapt tasks and supports to keep progress helpful and realistic.
When to consider support
- Daily routines take much longer than peers and create stress at home.
- Your child avoids or repeatedly resists common self-care tasks (dressing, toothbrushing, mealtime routines).
- Bedtime, wake-up, or getting ready for school cause frequent meltdowns or missed days.
- Your child has trouble following multi-step directions for everyday tasks.
- You want practical strategies to support growing independence and reduce caregiver burnout.
How we help
- Individualized plans: We create simple, realistic routines that match your child’s strengths and family rhythms.
- Caregiver coaching: We teach and practice techniques with you so you can use them at home and school.
- Visual tools: Schedules, step lists, and timers to make steps predictable and less frustrating.
- Sensory and motor supports: Strategies to make dressing, feeding, and self-care easier when sensory or movement needs interfere.
- Collaboration: We communicate with teachers, pediatricians, or other team members when helpful and with your permission.
If you’re noticing daily tasks are a struggle, a short consultation can help identify options and practical next steps. Our goal is to make routines more predictable, safer, and more empowering so children and caregivers can focus on what matters most.