As the year winds down, many of us reflect on what we’ve experienced and achieved. For parents navigating the journey of occupational therapy with their child, this is a time to pause and celebrate the progress—both big and small—that has been made. Reflecting on therapeutic wins is about more than just recognising milestones; it’s about honouring the resilience, growth, and hard work of your child, your family, and your therapists.
Here’s how you can embrace the art of reflection and find joy in the wins, no matter how the year unfolded.
Why Reflecting on Wins Matters
Recognises Growth Over Time
Progress in therapy often feels slow in the moment, but when you step back and reflect, you can see just how far your child has come. Each step forward is part of a larger picture of growth and development.
Builds Hope and Resilience
Focusing on wins reinforces hope for the future. It reminds you of the progress that is possible and helps you build resilience for challenges ahead.
Strengthens Connection
Reflecting on wins together with your child and therapist fosters a sense of shared accomplishment. It’s a reminder that you are all working as a team.
Encourages Gratitude
Recognising progress provides an opportunity to appreciate your child’s efforts, and your role as their parent.
How to Reflect on Wins as a Parent
Document the Journey
Throughout the year, try to keep a journal, a photo album, or even a few notes in your phone. Record moments that felt like progress—a new skill mastered, a positive interaction, or a small breakthrough. Looking back at these notes at year’s end is a powerful way to see growth.
Celebrate the Small Wins
Not every win will be a dramatic milestone - in fact, every dramatic milestone is made up of so many smaller wins. Always, the victories that seem "small"—like your child tolerating a new texture, completing a challenging activity, or showing increased independence—are the ones that pave the way for the bigger achievements.
Involve Your Child
Ask your child what they are proud of this year. You might be surprised by their insights and what they value about their own progress.
Talk with Your Therapist
Your occupational therapist can provide a unique perspective on your child’s progress. They may point out areas of growth you hadn’t noticed or explain how small changes are part of a bigger plan.
Reflect as a Family
Consider how therapy has impacted not just your child but your whole family. Did it strengthen your routines, create new opportunities for connection, or open doors to new experiences?
Questions to Guide Your Reflection
What new skills or abilities has my child gained this year?
How has my child’s confidence or independence grown?
What moments made me feel proud as a parent?
What challenges did we overcome together?
How has therapy changed the way we approach daily life or difficult situations?
What feedback from therapists or teachers has been most meaningful?
What comes next - what am I looking forward to for next year?
Learning from the Wins
Reflection isn’t just about celebrating—it’s also an opportunity to learn. Think about what worked well this year and why. Did certain therapy approaches resonate with your child? Were there specific strategies that made life easier at home? Recognising these patterns can help you advocate for your child’s needs and build on what’s working in the future.
Sharing the Wins
Wins, no matter how small, deserve to be shared. Whether it’s a conversation with friends and family, a social media post, or simply a chat with your child’s therapist, sharing progress can inspire others and deepen your connections.
A Final Word on Celebrating
Take a moment to consider that every step of this journey is a testament to teamwork, love, and determination - celebrate the perseverence of all involved, including yourselves as parents.
REMEMBER: As you reflect on the year, progress isn’t always linear, but every win matters. Each skill gained, each barrier overcome, and each step forward is worth celebrating. As the new year approaches, hold onto the wins and let them fuel your hope and motivation for the next chapter of your child’s journey.
Here’s to a new year of growth, resilience, and celebrating every victory, big and small! 🌟
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