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In this episode of the Reflex Integration Through Play podcast, pediatric occupational therapist Kokeb McDonald explores one of the most powerful, and often overlooked, tools for child development: the home program.
While therapy sessions lay the groundwork for growth, Kokeb reminds listeners that real progress happens between sessions. Repetition, consistency, and meaningful movement at home are what help a child’s brain and body build stronger, lasting connections.
Why Home Programs Matter
What children do outside the therapy room directly shapes how well they retain and generalize new skills. Every movement, balance activity, or sensory game at home reinforces what’s practiced in therapy, helping the nervous system integrate and strengthen over time.
When therapy ends, momentum can stall. But when home programs are simple, engaging, and woven into everyday life, growth doesn’t just continue, it accelerates.
Practical Tips for Parents
Kokeb shares clear, approachable ways parents can make home practice doable and fun:
- Turn everyday routines into movement moments, think brushing teeth on one foot or doing animal walks to the kitchen.
- Keep it short and consistent. Even five minutes a day can spark noticeable improvement.
- Invite play and laughter. The more fun the activity feels, the more motivated children will be.
Building Consistency, Connection, and Joy at Home
A great home program doesn’t have to be strict or time-consuming. Kokeb encourages families to find natural cues, like “before dinner” or “after bath”, to anchor exercises into the day. Predictable timing helps kids know what to expect and builds consistency without adding stress.
But consistency alone isn’t enough… collaboration is what makes it stick. When therapists, educators, and parents stay connected, children experience the same support and language across every setting. What’s practiced in therapy then becomes second nature at home and school.
And most importantly, it should feel like play. The best therapy often looks like joy and imagination: crawling like animals, balancing on pillows, or pretending to move through obstacle courses. When activities are fun, children stay engaged and naturally strengthen their motor skills, sensory regulation, and confidence.
Progress doesn’t always come in big leaps, either. Every small win matters, balancing a few seconds longer, finishing an activity with a smile, or staying calm during transitions. These moments of progress deserve to be noticed and celebrated, because they add up to lasting change.
The RITP App: Your Home Program Companion
To make home programs easier to follow, Kokeb introduces the Reflex Integration Through Play App, a guided tool that brings everything together. It includes step-by-step videos, progress tracking, and resources for seamless communication with therapists.
By giving families clear direction and visual support, the RITP App helps turn consistency into confidence.
Final Thoughts
Kokeb closes with an encouraging reminder: every moment of movement counts. The more parents can bring playful, purposeful activity into daily routines, the more progress their child will make.
Home programs aren’t just “extra work”, they’re the bridge between therapy and real life, helping children grow, learn, and thrive through play.
🎧 Listen to Episode 36 now to explore how to make therapy activities fun, consistent, and integrated into your child’s daily life.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction: The Power of Home Programs
00:57 Why Home Programs Matter
03:01 Practical Tips for Parents
04:05 Creating a Fun and Effective Routine
06:15 Partnering with Therapists
07:53 Making Home Programs Playful
08:51 Tracking Progress and Celebrating Wins
14:35 The Role of RITP in Home Programs
18:45 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
And don’t forget to check out the RITP App for step-by-step guidance and progress tracking.
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