Spotlight on parenting as an occupation
Members standard – from 1 April: £100
Member learners standard – from 1 April: £45
Non-members: £200
Strengthening OT practice in parenting support
Parenting is one of the most important and complex occupations there is - underpinned by hundreds of often invisible and ever-changing daily activities. Having this conversation matters. Viewing parenting as an occupation has wide reaching benefits that ripple out far beyond child development and family wellbeing.
Catriona Ogilvy, Director and Founder of The Smallest Things and Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist, KiDS OT SEN Consultancy – our plenary speaker
About this event
Parenting is a significant and complex occupation. As occupational therapists you see how physical, emotional, social and environmental pressures shape a parent’s everyday life. Yet in many services the occupation of parenting still does not get the focus it needs.
This learning day is designed to build your confidence and broaden the approaches you use to support parents in practice. Whether you work in children’s community services, neonatal care, perinatal mental health or any setting where the adults you meet are also parents this day is created with your work in mind.
This is not a traditional conference. You will join interactive workshops, try practical tools, take part in reflective discussions and work through real scenarios with peers. You will spend the day thinking, talking and doing as you explore how to apply new ideas directly to your practice.
You will leave with approaches you can use straight away and a stronger foundation for supporting the occupation of parenting.
What you will get from taking part:
- Work through real case-based roundtables with experienced OTs who understand your practice
- Try practical tools and creative activities you can take straight back into your service
- Learn practical strategies you can use in everyday practice rather than sitting through theory heavy presentations
- Connect with colleagues from across the UK and share what works
- Explore how RCOT Communities will help you build on the connections and learning you make on the day
Be part of a day that’s practical, reflective and grounded in real‑life OT practice.
Event highlights
Keynote sessions
- Parenting as an occupation: why it matters: Start the day by exploring parenting as an occupation and the important role OTs play in supporting identity, belonging and everyday life.
- Advocating for parents of premature babies: Hear from Catriona Ogilvy, occupational therapist and Founder of The Smallest Things Charity. Catriona shares how lived experience and grassroots advocacy can influence policy, shape services and strengthen support for families.
Interactive roundtables
- Parenting in neonatal care: Explore the unique needs of families in neonatal units and the occupations that shape the earliest moments of parenting.
- Parenting with physical needs: Discuss how parents with physical health challenges navigate routines and caregiving, and where OT support can make the biggest difference.
- Parenting and mental health: Reflect on how low mood, intrusive thoughts or isolation shape parenting roles, and explore occupation focused approaches that help rebuild confidence and connection.
Creative, hands-on workshops
- Understanding occupational identity in parenting: A reflective session that helps you explore how your own identity and lived experience influence your approach to supporting families.
- Practical tools for everyday parenting support: Try adaptable tools you can use straight away, including routines grids, sensory emotional strategies and occupation focused resources to strengthen parenting roles in everyday life.
Networking and showcase
- Meet our sponsors and RCOT Communities: Connect with peers, explore new resources and discover networks to support your ongoing learning.
Extended learning through RCOT Communities
A dedicated RCOT Communities space will support pre-event conversations, shared resources, and post-event activities so learning continues long after the day itself.
You can access the group by following the link: https://communities.rcot.co.uk/topics/57954/page/welcome
If you’re not yet on RCOT Communities, please activate your account first and then use the group link.
Ticket prices
The standard ticket price for members is £100 and £45 for learners.
Not a member yet? Non-member ticket price is £200 – or join us now!
What you need to know about paying for your ticket
All bookings need pre-payment. Your place at the event is not confirmed until we receive full pre-payment. We only accept payment by credit card (excluding AMEX) and debit card. We don't accept purchase orders or issue invoices.
Cancellation and substitutions: We won't give refunds without a written request and they'll be made after the event. Cancellations made up until Monday 9 March 2026 will incur a charge of 30% of the registration fee. Cancellations made between Monday 10 March and Thursday 2 April 2026 inclusive will incur a charge of 70% of the registration fee. Cancellations after Friday 3 April 2026 and on the day of the event or ‘no shows’ will not be refunded.
Contact: [email protected] if you have any questions.