Observe the pattern
Notice the trigger, the childβs response, what helps, and whether daily participation changes.
REGULATION β’ MOVEMENT β’ COMFORT
REGULATION β’ MOVEMENT β’ COMFORT
Sensory Processing
Parent-friendly explanations of sensory seeking, sensory avoiding, touch, sound, movement, body awareness, and regulation.
A parent-friendly starting point
Sensory Processing: Explore this topic
Sensory processing is how the nervous system notices, organizes, and responds to information from the body and environment. Differences become important when they repeatedly affect comfort, safety, learning, play, sleep, eating, or family routines.
Offer choice
Use predictable, optional sensory experiences rather than forcing a child to tolerate distress.
Support regulation
Movement, heavy work, quiet spaces, and routine can helpβbut strategies should match the individual child.
Practical articles
Sensory Processing
9 articles available
Play routines & independence
How to Help Your Preschooler Put Toys Away Independently
An OT-informed cleanup routine for children ages 2β5 using small jobs, picture cues, simple sorting, movement breaks, and calm practice.
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Self-care & sensory comfort
How to Teach Your Preschooler to Brush Their Hair Independently
A gentle, OT-informed way to help children ages 2β5 learn hair brushing through child-friendly tools, detangling from the ends, sensory support, and graded practice.
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Self-care & sensory comfort
How to Teach Your Preschooler to Wash Their Face Independently
A gentle, OT-informed way to help children ages 2β5 learn face washing through a simple routine, sensory comfort, and graded practice.
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Movement & fine motor
7 Crossing-the-Midline Games for Preschoolers
Seven playful, OT-informed activities that help preschoolers reach across their bodies during drawing, dressing, play, and everyday routines.
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Fine motor & self-care
How to Teach Your Preschooler to Use a Zipper Independently
A calm, OT-informed way to teach the two-handed steps of starting and pulling a jacket zipper, with playful practice, sensory support, and safety guidance.
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Self-care & preschool routines
How to Teach Your Preschooler to Blow Their Nose Independently
A gentle, OT-informed routine that teaches nose blowing through simple airflow games, a clear sequence, sensory support, and healthy hygiene habits.
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Self-care & sensory
How to Help Your Preschooler Brush Teeth More Independently
A calm, OT-informed toothbrushing routine with practical setup, playful skill-building, sensory support, and clear safety guidance.
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Routines & regulation
How to Make Transitions Easier for Preschoolers: 7 Practical Strategies
A calm, OT-informed routine for helping young children stop one activity, understand what comes next, and move through the day with less stress.
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Sensory
A Calmer Morning Sensory Routine
A realistic 10-minute routine to help children feel organized and ready before preschool or school.
Read article βLELEKA PLAY
Practice this skill at home
Explore OT-designed guides, printables, and interactive books that turn ideas into hands-on practice.
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Recommended next steps
Educational information only. This page does not diagnose a condition or replace an individualized evaluation. If concerns affect daily activities, discuss them with your pediatrician or a pediatric occupational therapist.