Parenting is a beautiful journey — but it can also feel overwhelming, especially in the early years. That’s where professionals like Candice Van Kesteren, an Occupational Therapist based in Cape Town, step in to offer real, relatable support. Through individual and group parenting workshops, Candice helps parents better understand their child’s development and how to support it through play, connection, and practical tools. In this interview, she shares insights on common parenting concerns, the power of play, and simple ways to build confidence in your role as a parent.
Can you tell us a little bit about your journey into occupational therapy and what led you to focus on working with parents and young children?
I studied Occupational Therapy at UWC and graduated in 2018, ready to change the world one child at a time. I spent five years in the Northern Cape, working in a government hospital and building community programs with incredible allied health teams. But everything shifted when I became a parent in 2022. I saw parenting from the inside. That’s when I realised: it’s not just kids who need support. Parents do too. And they need it in a way that’s practical, encouraging, and empowering.
What inspired you to start offering parenting workshops, and how have they evolved over time?
In both government and private practice, I noticed therapy was mostly child-focused, parents got a quick debrief and some homework. But I kept thinking: If we want more meaningful change, we should start with the parents? So I created OT Parents, a space where parents are the main focus, not the afterthought. Our motto is empowering parents, nurturing happy children.
What topics do you typically cover in your individual and group parenting workshops?
We cover everything from emotional regulation and sensory exploration to play, connection, and resilience-building. There’s always laughter, sometimes tears, and always a moment of ‘Oh wow, I’m not alone!’ The workshops are interactive and I use play as a means of conveying key concepts in each workshops.
We’ve recently added family play sessions to create more moments for family connections and bonding.
We are also looking at more ways to support dads. Watch this space, we might have something coming up soon.
How do you approach play, development, and stimulation in a way that feels manageable for busy or overwhelmed parents?
We don’t do overwhelm. At OT Parents, we co-create manageable, sustainable routines based on each family’s reality. If you’re juggling laundry, deadlines, and a toddler in a Spider-Man suit, GREAT!.
Let’s work with that. We start small, ask what worked and what flopped, and build from there. It’s a collaboration with parents and ECDs.
Can you give an example of a simple activity or tip you often share in your workshops that parents can start using right away?
Cut down screen time, yes, but don’t just remove it. Replace it with a ‘family ritual’ that feels fun. Maybe a 10-minute dance party after dinner. Maybe building a blanket fort. The magic is in building the memory together.
In your experience, what are some of the most common concerns or questions parents bring to your workshops?
The question I hear most is: ‘Am I doing enough?’ The answer is usually: yes, but you’re too tired to notice. OT Parents exists to remind you that you don’t need perfection, just connection.
Why do you think play is such a powerful tool in supporting development, especially in the early years?
Play is the language of childhood. It’s how kids process the world, try on new ideas, develop skills and make sense of big emotions. Development is fueled by play. one little kiddie was very timid and shy, he needed a lot of facilitation to participate over the next few months we saw him transform into a more confident and vibrant version of himself. Through play we practiced skills that allowed him to be more confident, that allowed him opportunities to make mistakes and learn in a fun and safe environment.
What would you say to a parent who feels like they’re not ‘doing enough’ when it comes to stimulation or developmental play?
Keeping a tiny human alive is enough and you’re doing it! But if you want to sprinkle in some development? Try this: Spend 10 uninterrupted minutes doing what your child loves. Yes, even if it’s pretending to be a dinosaur for10 minutes. That’s stimulation. That’s connection. That’s more than enough. Parent’s should not underestimate the impact their presence and attention has on their child’s development.
What’s the most rewarding part of working so closely with parents and young children?
Watching the shift is magical. A mom walks in frazzled, unsure. A few sessions later, she’s smiling more, playing more, and saying things like, ‘I feel like I’ve got this now.’ That’s gold. That’s why I do this.
Do you have a favourite success story or moment from one of your workshops that you’d like to share?
At one of the workshops I had done recently, a short talk on tantrums. The mom had seemed frustrated and exhausted, looking for something to make it better. After the talk, she said was more willing to allow herself more grace.
I had a discussion with a grandmother looking for guidance on how to raise “this generation”. After a while of talking it turns out that grandma was overwhelmed and looking for support to raise her grandson.
What’s one piece of advice or encouragement you’d love every parent to hear today?
Every time you show up, even if it’s with mismatched socks and half a coffee, it counts. You’re doing the most important work there is. I’d give you real flowers if I could, but for now, take these words as a bouquet: YOU ARE DOING BEAUTIFULLY!
Parenting can feel overwhelming. What are your top tips for helping parents feel more confident in their day-to-day roles?
Parenting is overwhelming. So let’s stop trying to do it all alone. One of my best tips? Involve your child in daily life; sorting socks, stirring pancake batter, wiping the table. Sure, it’s messier. Slower. But it builds skills and connection at the same time.
Where can parents learn more about your services or get in touch to join a workshop?
You can find us on Instagram @ot_parents where we sprinkle play, parenting tips and behind-the-scenes joy into your feed. To book a workshop or ask a question, message our WhatsApp line at 067 408 1740 or email us at parentsot@gmail.com. We’d love to welcome you into our village.
What’s one piece of advice or encouragement you’d love every parent to hear today?
You’re doing better than you think. Your child doesn’t need perfect, they need you. Messy, silly, tired, trying-you.
