Confidence doesn’t just happen—it’s cultivated through action and experience. One of the
most impactful yet often overlooked ways to develop self-esteem in children that are NDIS participants is
through occupational therapy (OT). More than just helping with daily skills, OT
sessions provide OT self-esteem support that strengthens a child’s
emotional resilience, self-belief, and growth mindset.
Let’s explore how this holistic approach changes lives—one
skill, one session, and one child at a time.
Why building a child’s self-esteem matters
Self-esteem is a child’s belief in their worth. If a child hold’s a fixed mindset – one where they believe they can’t improve, they will doubt that worth. A growth mindset teaches them that success comes from effort, not perfection. This empower kids to take risks, recover from setbacks, and keep learning.
Occupational therapists are uniquely positioned to support
children’s self-esteem. Through child-centred interventions and thoughtfully designed
challenges, they encourage perseverance and reshape how children view failure
and effort.
Key Strategies Used in OT Self-Esteem Support
A major strength of OT lies in its personalised approach.
Therapists observe a child’s abilities, challenges, and emotional cues—then
introduce “just-right” tasks that stretch their abilities without
overwhelming them.
This process builds real confidence. As children
successfully complete new tasks, they develop a sense of achievement and begin
internalizing the belief: “I can do hard things.”
Furthermore, praise is centered on effort and strategy
rather than outcomes. For example, instead of saying, “You’re so smart,” an OT
might say, “You didn’t give up even when it was hard—that’s great
problem-solving.” This reinforces a growth mindset in a meaningful way.
Emotional Regulation as a Core of OT Self-Esteem Support
Another key component is helping children identify and
manage emotions. Occupational therapists teach kids to recognize internal
signals like frustration, fear, or tension—and offer simple tools to manage
those emotions, such as breathing techniques, calming visuals, or movement
breaks.
These strategies help children remain focused, build
self-control, and experience success even during emotional challenges. As a
result, their confidence grows—not just in what they can do, but in how they
manage themselves in stressful situations.
Positive Reinforcement: Encouragement That Sticks
Occupational therapists use authentic, specific
encouragement to help children feel seen and capable. Rather than offering
empty praise, they highlight the effort a child puts into a challenge—whether
it’s trying a new activity, expressing feelings, or staying focused.
This consistent, positive reinforcement helps children build
internal motivation. They begin to believe in themselves because they’ve
experienced real success, supported by someone who believes in their potential.
Extending Self-Esteem Beyond NDIS Supports
Our therapists don’t work alone. They collaborate with parents,
teachers, and carers to ensure that confidence-building strategies are used
consistently in everyday settings. For your child or loved one on the NDIS – building their self-esteem is a collaborative process.
This could mean encouraging families to praise effort at
home, or coaching teachers on how to offer scaffolded support in the classroom.
With everyone on the same page, the child’s self-belief becomes stronger and
more sustainable.
Final Thoughts on the Power of OT Self-Esteem Support
In an increasingly demanding world, children need more than
academic success—they need the confidence and emotional strength to keep
growing. Our OT support bridges this gap by blending therapeutic
skill-building with emotional empowerment. W
At Wellness Experts, we understand the importance of
fostering not just abilities, but belief. Our experienced occupational
therapists work closely with families to build resilience, nurture a growth
mindset, and help children thrive in every aspect of life.
If you’re looking for a supportive, outcomes-focused OT team you can make a enquiry on our referral form or get in touch with us directly on 1300 924 188.
We have capacity for NDIS participants across Sydney metro and availability for Telehealth OT across Australia.