Self-Care Skills & Activities of Daily Living: A Parent’s Occupational Therapy Guide
Alexis Irazoque, M.S., CCC-SLP
Activities of daily living (ADLs) are the everyday self-care tasks that kids learn to do on their own, like eating, getting dressed, and brushing their teeth. These skills don’t develop overnight, and there are milestones to watch for at different ages. When children need support learning self-care skills, occupational therapy can help.
Key takeaways
Activities of daily living (ADLs) are everyday self-care skills like eating, dressing, and hygiene.
Self-care skills develop gradually over time and look different for every child, although there are general milestones to watch for.
Delays in ADLs can impact a child’s independence, confidence, and participation in daily routines.
Challenges may be related to fine motor, sensory, attention, or developmental differences.
Occupational therapy helps children build daily living skills through practice, play, and parent support.
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Get startedWhat are activities of daily living?
Activities of daily living (ADLs), also called self-care skills, are the everyday tasks we do to take care of our bodies and stay healthy. For kids, these daily living skills include things like eating, getting dressed, using the bathroom, and brushing their teeth.
As children grow, mastering these skills helps them take part in everyday life with more confidence and independence.
Why are self-care skills important?
Self-care skills are the building blocks for independence. These are the skills kids need to feel confident doing things on their own.
As children learn activities of daily living, they begin to rely less on adults. This builds their confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of pride. Simple wins like putting on shoes or using a spoon can make a big difference.
Self-care skills also support:
School readiness (following routines, managing belongings)
Social participation (sleepovers, school activities, playdates)
Emotional growth (feeling capable and included)
When self-care is challenging, it can affect more than just daily routines. Kids may feel frustrated, avoid certain activities, or stand out from other children.
Over time, strong daily living skills for kids help set the stage for success in school and beyond.
Examples of ADLs in everyday life
There are many ADL examples that show up in a child’s daily routine. Here are some of the most common:
Self-feeding
Using fingers, a spoon, or a fork
Drinking from a cup
Bringing food from plate to mouth
Dressing
Putting on shirts, pants, and shoes
Using zippers, buttons, or Velcro
Choosing clothing that’s right for the weather
Hygiene
Brushing teeth
Washing hands
Bathing or grooming
Toileting
Using the toilet
Managing clothing in order to use the toilet
Cleaning up afterward
Mobility (movement)
Getting in and out of bed or chairs
Walking safely around the home
These activities of daily living happen many times throughout the day, and they’re essential for independence.
Age chart: How and when ADL skills develop by age
Children develop self-care skills at different rates, but here are general guidelines for how activities of daily living grow over time:
Feeds self with fingers
Holds and drinks from a cup
Takes socks off
Helps with getting dressed
Self-feeds and uses a spoon with little to no spills
Takes off simple clothing (pants, coat)
Begins potty awareness
Washes hands
Cleans own body during bath time
Gets dressed with some help as needed
4-5 years
Gets dressed more independently
Brushes teeth with supervision
Uses the toilet on their own
5+ years
Manages most dressing tasks
Improves hygiene routines
Becomes more independent overall
Remember, these are ranges—not strict rules. Every child develops at their own pace.
Learn the key developmental milestones in 2-year-old toddlers that can be supported through occupational therapy.
What causes challenges with self-care skills?
Many different factors can affect how children learn activities of daily living.
Common reasons for problems with self-care skills include:
Fine motor delays (difficulty with buttons, utensils)
Sensory sensitivities (discomfort with textures, sounds, or smells)
Motor planning challenges (trouble knowing the steps of a task)
Attention differences (getting distracted or not finishing tasks)
Developmental differences (such as autism, ADHD, or physical conditions)
Difficulty with bilateral coordination (ability to use both sides of the body together in a controlled and organized way)
For example, getting dressed may seem simple, but it actually involves many steps. You have to understand the order of what to do, stay focused, keep your balance, and use both hands together. If one part of that process is tricky, the whole task can feel overwhelming. However, the good news is that these skills can be taught and improved with the right support.
Signs your child may need help with ADLs
It’s normal for kids to need help as they learn. But some signs may mean your child could benefit from extra support with self-care skills.
Look for:
Difficulty feeding themselves or using utensils
Trouble getting dressed compared to other kids their age
Avoiding tasks like brushing teeth or bathing
Sensitivity to clothing or textures
Frequent frustration or meltdowns during routines
Delays in using the toilet independently
Relying heavily on adults for daily tasks
These challenges can affect a child’s confidence and participation in everyday activities. Trust your gut as a parent. If something feels off, it’s OK to ask questions and explore getting some support.
A look at 3 scenarios that can lead to toddler meltdowns and tips for dealing with tough toddler behavior.
When should I seek occupational therapy?
You don’t need to wait to get help. If your child’s daily living skills seem behind, cause stress, or affect everyday routines, it may be time to consider occupational therapy (OT).
Occupational therapy can help if:
Tasks feel harder than expected for your child’s age
Daily routines are a struggle
Your child avoids or resists self-care activities
You notice slow or inconsistent progress
Early support can make a big difference. These are skills kids use every day, so learning them helps prevent frustration and builds independence faster.
How does occupational therapy help with self-care skills?
Occupational therapy focuses on helping children become more independent in everyday tasks.
Occupational therapists help by:
Breaking tasks into simple steps
Building underlying skills (fine motor, sensory, attention)
Practicing routines through repetition
Coaching parents on how to help at home
Therapy may target:
Hand strength for using utensils or zippers
Sequencing steps for dressing
Tolerating sensory experiences like toothbrushing
The results? Smoother mornings, less stress for families, and more independence and confidence for your child!
Looking for an occupational therapist?
Teletherapy makes it easy. We serve families with a range of needs across the U.S. Get started today!
Find an OTWhat does OT for self-care skills look like?
Occupational therapy is hands-on, engaging, and tailored to your child. Sessions often include:
Play-based activities to build skills in a fun way
Real-life practice (like dressing or feeding)
Tools or adaptations to make tasks easier
Caregiver coaching so you can support your child’s progress at home
Therapists may also show you how to adjust routines and spaces at home to set your child up for success.
How does virtual OT work for ADLs?
With Expressable, ADLs occupational therapy happens right from your home—where your child’s routines actually take place.
You will:
Partner 1-on-1 with an expert occupational therapist
Learn strategies through a parent coaching model
Practice skills during real daily routines
Get ongoing texting support and home practice activities between sessions
Attend sessions at the time that work best for you, from the comfort of home
This flexible approach helps your child build daily living skills in the environment where they matter most. Every child deserves to feel capable and confident—and online OT makes that support more accessible than ever.
Can occupational therapy be done online? Learn how virtual OT works, what the research says, and how OT helps kids build everyday skills at home.
Tips to support self-care skills at home
You can help your child build self-care skills with these simple, everyday strategies:
Let them try (even if it’s messy or slow)
Break tasks into small steps
Use consistent routines–for example, getting dressed before breakfast
Model, or show your child, how to do a task, and repeat skills often
Give them extra time so they don’t feel rushed
Helpful tools can also make a difference. Some examples include:
Velcro shoes instead of laces
Special “built-up” utensils that are easier to grip
Step stools for handwashing
A visual schedule, so they know what to expect when
Small, consistent practice leads to big progress over time. You can even make it fun by practicing on dolls or toys, or turning routines into games. An occupational therapist will have lots of ideas to make practice feel more like play!
Supporting your child’s independence
Learning activities of daily living takes time. Every child’s journey will look different, but struggles with self-care skills are common.
With the right tools and guidance, children can build the skills they need to feel confident, independent, and successful in everyday life. If you’re concerned about your child’s daily living skills, an occupational therapy evaluation can provide clarity and a personalized plan.
At Expressable, you’ll:
Get matched with the right therapist
Receive a customized care plan
Practice skills at home with expert support
Track progress every step of the way
Helping your child gain independence starts with the right support—and it can begin today. Reach out to find an occupational therapist and get started. We are here to support you every step of the way!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Activities of daily living (ADLs) are basic self-care tasks children learn as they grow. These include eating, dressing, brushing teeth, toileting, and other everyday routines that support independence.
Many children begin helping with dressing around age 2 and become more independent between ages 4 and 5. However, every child develops at their own pace, and some may need more time or support.
Children may have difficulty with daily living skills due to fine motor delays, sensory sensitivities, motor planning challenges, or attention differences. These underlying skills affect how easily a child can complete everyday routines.
Yes! Occupational therapy focuses on building self-care skills and independence. Therapists break tasks into manageable steps, strengthen underlying skills, and coach parents on how to support daily routines at home.
Start by giving your child chances to practice during daily routines. Break tasks into small steps, show your child how to do them, and keep routines consistent. Practice and repetition help build confidence over time.
Signs may include difficulty feeding themselves, trouble dressing, avoiding hygiene tasks, or relying heavily on adults compared to other kids their age. Frequent frustration during routines can also be a sign that extra support may help.
How Expressable Can Help
Concerned your child isn't reaching age-expected milestones? Looking for communication support from a professional? Expressable is a national online speech and occupational therapy practice serving children and adults. We treat all major areas of communication, feeding, and developmental skills, offer flexible hours including evenings and weekends, and accept most major health insurance plans. We’re proud to have earned more than 4,500 5-star reviews from our clients (4.83/5 average).
Our therapy model is centered on parent and caregiver involvement. Research proves that empowering caregivers to participate in their loved one’s therapy leads to better outcomes. That’s why we combine live, 1-on-1 speech and occupational therapy with personalized education and home practice activities for faster progress.
