What they learn

Back to school means lunch box independence season 🎒 Before your child can open everything in their lunch box, they need four key motor skills working together: ✅ Pulling – zipper pulls, snack bag seals ✅ Tearing – granola bar wrappers, fruit pouch tops ✅ Twisting – water bottle caps, screw-top containers ✅ Poking – straws into juice boxes, fork through seal Neurologically, these are all forearm and hand strength + bilateral coordination skills — meaning both hands need to work together, doing different jobs at the same time. That’s a big ask for little hands still developing this coordination. The good news: these are skills you can build with everyday practice, not just at lunchtime. Try practicing with containers and packaging at home before the first day, so your child walks into the cafeteria feeling confident and independent. At-home practice is a great starting point — if your child is really struggling with these skills, an OT eval can help pinpoint why. #BackToSchool #PediatricOT #FineMotorSkills #LunchboxIndependence #OccupationalTherapy