The Everyday moments that can shape your child’s progress

Early Intervention is often thought of as something that happens in a therapy session: a set time, a set place, a set goal. But some of the most powerful learning happens outside of it, in the everyday moments families share at home. 

We sat down with one of our Therapy Supervisors, Hannah He, to talk about why everyday routines play such a big role in Early Intervention, and what parents can do, without added pressure, to support their child’s progress between sessions. Here’s what she had to say. 

Many parents think of therapy as something that happens during a scheduled session. Why is it important for young children to practise and develop skills in everyday environments as well? 

Therapy sessions are often where new skills are introduced and practised, but everyday life is where those skills become meaningful. Young children learn best through repeated experiences with different people, places, and activities. When a child has opportunities to practise a new skill during mealtimes, play, dressing, or family outings, they are more likely to use that skill independently and confidently in the future. 

How do children typically learn and apply new skills outside of therapy sessions, and why is this especially important during the early years? 

Young children are constantly learning through interactions with people and environments around them. They learn by watching others, practicing through play, receiving support from caregivers and experiencing natural opportunities throughout the day. 

Skills such as communication, social interaction, play, independence, and emotional regulation develop most effectively when they are practised regularly and built into everyday routines. The more chances children have to use the skills naturally, the stronger and more lasting those skills become. 

What are some simple ways parents can support their child’s communication, independence or participation goals through everyday routines and activities at home? 

Small moments throughout the day can create powerful learning opportunities. For example: 

• Model communication in everyday moments. Talk about what you are doing together, describe things your child is interested in, and show them different ways to communicate through words, gestures, or AAC. 

• Offer simple choices throughout the day, such as choosing between two snacks, activities, or clothing options. 

• Involve children in everyday tasks like unpacking groceries, setting the table, or tidying toys. 

• Build turn-taking and social interaction into play activities and family games.  

• Create opportunities for your child to make decisions and solve simple problems independently. 

• Celebrate effort and progress, even when a task isn’t completed perfectly. 

What advice would you give to parents who want to support their child’s progress between therapy sessions but aren’t sure where to start? 

Start small and be kind to yourself. Many parents feel pressure to recreate therapy at home to try to achieve every goal at once, but that’s not necessary. Some of the most valuable learning opportunities happen during everyday family routines. Focus on one or two goals that can be practised and consistently look for natural opportunities throughout the week.  

It’s also normal for motivation to come and go. Some weeks you’ll have lots of energy and other weeks life will feel overwhelming, and that’s okay. The most important thing is finding sustainable ways to support your child that work for you and your family. 

Most importantly, trust that you already play a vital role in your child’s learning. The relationships, experiences, and interactions you share every day are incredibly powerful. You’re doing the best you can and that’s something worth recognising and celebrating. 

Tell us a little about your role at the Lizard Centre and what drew you to working in Early Intervention? 

As a Therapy Supervisor at the Lizard Centre, I work closely with children, families and therapists to support meaningful skill development across a range of areas, including communication, social interaction, play, independence, and reducing behaviour of concerns. I also provide guidance and coaching to therapy teams to help children build the confidence, independence and participation that matters most to them. 

I was drawn to Early Intervention because of the incredible impact that early support can have on a child’s development and quality of life. I love working collaboratively with families and seeing how small, consistent changes can lead to significant progress over time. It’s incredibly rewarding to help children develop the skills that increase their confidence, independence and participation in the activities that matter most to them. 

After working in Early Intervention, what’s one thing you wish more parents understood about their child’s potential? 

I wish more parents understood that progress doesn’t always happen in the way, or the pace, we imagined, but that doesn’t make it any less meaningful. It’s completely natural to focus on how far there is still to go. When your child has taken the first five steps towards a goal, it’s easy to find yourself worrying about the remaining ninety-five.

Many parents carry the weight of questions like, “when will we be able to have a full conversation?” or “when will this become easier?” Behind those questions is often the very real process of adjusting expectations and accepting that a child’s developmental journey may look different from what was originally imagined. That’s not an easy journey for any parent.

What I’ve learned is that when we start with the destination, we can sometimes miss the significance of the small steps happening right now, like:

• Needing less support to join a learning activity

• Making an extra attempt to communicate

• Showing curiosity towards others

• Trying something new for the first time

These moments are meaningful and often lay the foundation for future learning.

Most importantly, I want parents to know that their child’s potential is not defined by a diagnosis or by milestone timelines. With the right support, opportunities and encouragement, children can continue to learn, develop and surprise us in ways we never expected. Celebrating progress, rather than only focusing on outcomes, can make a profound difference, not just for the child but for the whole family. 

If you’re in Melbourne’s South-East and looking for Early Intervention support, we currently have capacity to welcome new clients, with our local team led by our Therapy Supervisor Hannah. Like everything we do at Lizard, support is tailored to your child and family, built around your priorities, not a one-size-fits-all program. 

Get in touch today: call 1300 752 617 or fill out our enquiry form