Supporting parenting occupations: An overlooked opportunity for occupational therapists? (June 6, 2023)

Parenting is one of the most valued occupational roles held by adults, including those with disability or other challenges. Yet for many vulnerable parents, parenting occupations receive attention only when a child’s safety is called into question. The profile of occupational therapy in addressing parenting is low at present, yet parenting is well within our scope of practice and the profession has great potential to support parenting.

This webinar will review the involvement of occupational therapy in parenting, beyond supporting parents as contextual factors or facilitators of therapy for pediatric clients, and explore the unique contribution that occupational therapists can make. A preliminary framework – the Parenting Occupations and Purposes (POP) framework - will be presented and discussed to help occupational therapists working with adults consider parenting-specific occupational challenges and develop parent-centric occupational goals. The framework centres the practical aspects of ‘doing’ of parenting, which can be addressed to improve occupational satisfaction and outcomes. 

After taking part in this webinar, participants will be able to: 

1. Recognize the value of using a parent-centric approach to addressing parenting in diverse client groups.
2. Use a theoretical model to conceptualize the ‘doing’ of parenting for clients.
3. Have increased confidence to provide parenting assessment and support to adult clients in any setting.

Level 
Beginner (0-2 years of experience in this specific practice area)