When children feel safe, supported, and understood, they’re greater equipped to explore their world, try new things, and grow. For children, developing a strong sense of who they are includes feeling proud of their identity, trusting in their abilities, and knowing that it’s okay to make mistakes along the way.
This blog is going to explore how OT can support children in developing two key ideas:
- Self-esteem is how a child sees and values themselves. It’s about knowing they are worthy, capable, and accepted just as they are — even when things feel tricky.
- Growth mindset is the belief that abilities can grow with effort, practice, and support — rather than being something fixed or unchangeable.
Together, these build the foundation for emotional wellbeing — the inner resources that help children feel confident, resilient, and ready to take on everyday life.
OTs can help support children’s wellbeing by using play, movement, and everyday activities that feel meaningful to them. Through these experiences, children build confidence, connection, and a sense of empowerment.
OT vs Psychology: Different Roles, Shared Goals
It’s important to understand the difference between the role of an OT and that of a psychologist.
- Psychologists work primarily with thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. They are trained to assess and treat mental health conditions such as anxiety, trauma, and depression.
- Occupational Therapists, on the other hand, focus on helping children engage meaningfully in everyday life in several areas including play, self-care and learning. OTs use functional, interest-based activities that support the foundations of emotional regulation, confidence, and resilience.
The two professions often work together in complementary ways, each bringing a unique lens to a child’s development and wellbeing.
If you have concerns about your child’s mental health or emotional wellbeing, it’s important to speak with a GP or psychologist to ensure they receive the appropriate support.
How OT supports wellbeing, confidence and resilience
Self-confidence, self-worth, and emotional growth are deeply connected to a child’s ability to do the things that matter to them. When everyday tasks feel challenging, such as getting dressed, joining in play, or paying attention at school, it can impact on a child’s sense of success and independence.
OTs support children by:
- Building skills for everyday participation (motor, sensory, executive functioning, social).
- Adapting tasks and environments to increase success, reduce frustration and promote autonomy.
- Helping children experience success, even in small steps.
- Playing a role in advocating for children’s support needs in school and preschool settings
- Fostering a sense of agency by empowering them to make decisions and take action.
OTs will use a strengths-based approach to focus on what’s going well and build on a child’s individual interests and abilities. This approach helps foster emotional resilience, boost confidence, and encourage a positive mindset in the face of challenges.
Inside an OT session: Supporting growth mindset through play
OT sessions are function-based and practical which means intervention is usually hands-on, engaging, and always tailored to the individual child. A session focused on supporting mindset and self-esteem might include:
- Confidence-building tasks: Activities designed for the child to experience “just-right” challenges and feel successful. This might include completing an obstacle course, creating a project, or achieving a personal goal.
- Growth mindset coaching: Encouraging language such as “You haven’t got it yet but look how much progress you’ve made” helps shift focus from perfection to persistence.
- Child-led goal setting: Collaborating with the child to set achievable goals that reflect their interests and strengths. Celebrating small successes along the way boosts confidence and fosters a sense of ownership in their progress.
- Emotional regulation strategies: Using visuals, sensory tools, or co-regulation techniques to support children to feel calm and in control.
- Social learning: Practicing communication, turn-taking, or problem-solving through games and collaborative tasks.
- Parent coaching: Helping caregivers understand how to support independence and confidence at home, with small changes to routines, environments, and language.
These sessions always start with connection and safety. When a child feels seen and accepted, they’re more willing to try, explore, and grow.
The power of rapport and respectful relationships
Building strong, trusting relationships is at the core of paediatric OT. We recognize that every child is unique and it’s important to create an environment where they feel safe, understood, and valued. For many children, developing confidence and skills takes time, and that journey is shaped by how supported they feel in exploring their abilities at their own pace.
Small shifts, big impact
Supporting a child’s emotional wellbeing doesn’t always mean big interventions. Sometimes, the most powerful shifts come from:
- Using affirming language
e.g. “Great problem solving!” - Celebrating effort rather than outcomes
e.g. “You worked really hard on that!” instead of “You’re so smart” - Creating safe spaces for kids to try, make mistakes, and try again
- Empowering children to make choices and take pride in their own progress
e.g. “You chose to come back and try again — awesome work!” - Supporting them when things feel hard
Acknowledge their effort, validate their emotions, and remind them it’s okay to not get it right the first time.
e.g. “That was really tricky, and you kept going — I’m proud of how you handled that.”
When children feel capable and valued, they build the foundations for lifelong confidence, self-esteem and resilience.
If you are seeking to support your child in increasing their confidence and emotional development, please chat with our team by calling on ☎️ 02 9913 3823 or emailing us at 📧 hello@occupationaltherapy.com.au.
