The Power of Staying Connected: Why Teamwork Matters
At Playful Paediatrics, we believe supporting a child’s development is a team effort. And not just any team—a multidisciplinary one made up of educators, therapists, health professionals, and most importantly, families. When we’re all connected and communicating well, children receive the consistent, coordinated support they need to thrive.
As a speech pathologist and a mum, I’ve seen just how powerful collaboration can be—but I’ve also felt it. Deeply. Because for me, staying connected to others in this work isn’t just something that’s nice-to-have—it’s what fills my cup. It keeps me grounded, inspired, and able to give my best to the children and families I support.
Following My Gut: From Solo Work to Something Bigger
After working many years working in various settings and different team structures around the world I decided I felt confident to start out as a sole trader, I loved the close relationships I could build with families and the flexibility in the support I could offer children with varying communication and care needs. But there was always a tug in my gut—a quiet but persistent feeling that we could do more together. I had experience supporting communication through a holistic approach—but I also know that children have other needs. Sensory regulation, emotional wellbeing, community integration and school readiness were all part of the picture. They had others on their team too, and I knew we needed to be consistent to truly support them.
So, that gut instinct led me to create Playful Paediatrics—a connected, collaborative hub where therapists, educators, and families come together to support children in a whole, integrated way. Not in isolation. But in genuine partnership.
And I can honestly say: I’m a better therapist because of it. When I collaborate, I feel more supported. I show up feeling full—because connection fills my cup and gives me energy.
Collaboration Isn’t Just For Clients—It’s For Us Too
I’ve come to realise that staying connected doesn’t just benefit the children—it also benefits me and my team. It makes us all better therapists.
Playful Paediatrics Collective connecting with your local team at Kids Matters Occupational Therapy
When I collaborate, I feel more supported.
When I share the load, I avoid burnout.
When I learn from others, I grow.
When I know a child’s OT or teacher is on the same page, I can focus more clearly on my impact.
When I’m in sync with the family, I show up with greater confidence, clarity, and care.
Collaboration helps me show up feeling full—not depleted. And that means I can offer more to the families I work with.
The Family Perspective: “Do they all really need to be involved?”
Families often feel unsure or overwhelmed by having a “team” involved. It’s not uncommon to hear:
“Too many people are involved—I feel overwhelmed.”
“Do I have to repeat our story again?”
“What if they all give different advice?”
“Who’s coordinating all of this?”
These concerns are so valid. And they remind us that collaboration should never feel like more work for families. Done well, it should feel like less.
What the Research Says
Research shows that multidisciplinary teamwork leads to better outcomes—not just for children, but for families too.
Family-centred, team-based care has been shown to:
Improve developmental outcomes
Reduce parental stress
Increase confidence in parenting and decision-making
(Dunst, Trivette & Hamby, 2007)
Collaboration brings clarity, consistency, and connection—and that’s the foundation of quality care.
Why Non Face-to-Face Support Matters (and Why It’s Worth It)
Some of the most powerful work we do doesn’t happen in the therapy room. It happens behind the scenes, in time set aside for:
Assessment analysis and reflection
Session planning based on a child’s interests and strengths
Creating personalised supports like social stories, visuals, or AAC tools
Collaborating with other professionals to align strategies
Progress note writing and summary reports
Phone calls and goal-setting meetings with families
This is not “extra” work—it’s foundational. Research supports that indirect interventions, like team planning and tailoring support, are powerful predictors of successful outcomes (Guralnick, 2011; King et al., 2009).
And when we personalise therapy to a child’s interests (think dinosaurs, superheroes, or baking!), we build connection, increase motivation, and see faster skill development (Kashinath et al., 2006).
Key Ways We Make Collaboration Work
At Playful Paediatrics, we make collaboration easy, intentional, and valuable by:
Keeping families at the centre.
Using clear, simple communication tools.
Defining everyone’s role early.
Checking in regularly—but briefly.
Respecting each other’s expertise.
Creating a culture of curiosity and care.
Easing the Burden on Families
We aim to make collaboration supportive, not overwhelming:
We coordinate behind the scenes so families aren’t the go-between
We simplify language and communication
We provide written information following each session so families can reflect in their own time
We co-create goals with families
We design practical, realistic supports to use at home and school
Staying Connected—To Each Other, and to Why We Do This
Playful Paediatrics Collective Celebrating Each Other
At its heart, collaboration is about connection—to each other, to families, and to purpose. For me, it’s what keeps this work joyful, sustainable, and deeply human.
So here’s to following our gut. To choosing collaboration over isolation. And to building teams that support not only children—but the families, educators, and therapists walking beside them.
What’s one way you can increase your connection today?
Big hugs,
Holly
Founder & Principal Speech Pathologist
Playful Paediatrics