Does your child struggle to use eating utensils while self-feeding during mealtimes? Or do they face challenges while trying to color pictures or write their name? If you see patterns where your child encounters obstacles during activities that involve small, coordinated movements, they may benefit from additional support to strengthen their fine motor skills.
What Are Fine Motor Skills?
Fine motor skills are essential movements your child makes each day. They are small, exact actions that involve either your child’s wrists, hands, and fingers, or their ankles, feet, and toes. Here are a few examples of activities that use fine motor skills:
- Getting dressed
- Self-feeding with eating utensils
- Brushing teeth
- Handwriting messages
- Playing a musical instrument
Common Signs of Fine Motor Delays
Some children may struggle with fine motor skills, which can lead to some challenges with daily activities. Here are a few common signs of fine motor delays you can look out for as your child grows:
- 0 to 6 months: has a limited or no grasping reflex or reaching skills.
- 6 to 12 months: does not poke at or pick up objects with hands.
- 1 to 2 years: experiences challenges stacking objects or holding a crayon to color.
- 2 to 3 years: cannot turn pages in a board book or play with shape sorters.
- 3 to 4 years: struggles to button or zip clothes or stack building blocks into towers.
- 4 to 5 years: prefers fisting a pencil to write and draw or faces difficulties cutting with scissors.
- 5 to 6 years: encounters challenges with writing letters and numbers or tying a knot.
- 6 to 7 years: avoids or dislikes drawing or writing and has trouble tying shoelaces.
When Should I Talk with a Pediatric Specialist?
If your child struggles with fine motor skills in day-to-day activities, such as brushing their teeth or getting dressed, you can talk with an occupational therapist to discuss your observations and concerns. An occupational therapist can provide the guidance and support you need for developing the best treatment plan that empowers your child’s growth.
With the help of occupational therapy, your child will learn essential skills and techniques to flourish in life.
Reach Out to First Steps for Expert Support
Does your child need additional support to strengthen fine motor skills? At First Steps Pediatric Therapy, one of our therapists will develop a personalized plan for your child that includes clinical sessions and homework designed to reach therapy goals.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule your free screening, call us today at (700) 900-7432. We look forward to talking with you soon about how we can help your child reach their fullest potential.