Understanding Poor Fine Motor Skills In Children
Fine motor skills are defined as the ability to do intricate and small details with your hands. For example, a child can usually hold a pencil, write with a pencil or pen, play with Lego blocks, thread beads, and button up their own coat.
These are all skills that most parents would expect their child to be able to do before they head to a reputable early learning center, such as this early learning in Chatsworth.
Fine motor skills rely on good hand-to-eye coordination. For some children it simply takes longer to develop these skills. But, in other cases children struggle to develop the skills they need. It is difficult to put set times on when a child should be able to do certain things as they all develop at their own rate.
However, if your child seems incapable of doing things that everyone else their age can, you may want to speak to a medical professional.
Symptoms of Poor Fine Motor Skills
Slow development of fine motor skills is often referred to as fine motor delay. As mentioned, it can be hard to know when you should seek medical help or not. The following list can help to guide you regarding when children can usually complete fine motor tasks.
*At Four Months
At this age your child should be able to make a fist and open their hand again. They will play with their fingers and hold toys, as well as putting fingers and other things in their mouth.
*Six Months
Children can generally move an object from one hand to another and can reach for something by themselves.
*Nine Months
At this age your child will be able to pick things up with three fingers. They should also be able to clap their hands.
*One Year
At one year a child can put objects inside other objects and bank things together. They will also start to use a finger and thumb grip.
*Fifteen Months
They will now be able to hold a pencil and scribble, it’s unlikely they’ll produce a masterpiece at this age.
*Eighteen Months
When they are eighteen months their scribbling will start to take on shapes and images. They will also upturn bottles to get things out of them. They should do this without being prompted.
*Two Years
At two years old your child should be stacking blocks and shortly after they’ll be ready to remove screw-top lids and even turn the pages of a book.
Underlying Issue
It’s important to note that children develop at their own rate. But, if they do appear to have an issue with fine motor skills then they may have an underlying condition. A doctor can screen for autism or development disabilities and guide you through what can be done, which might include attending an ABA day program.
Alongside being mindful of the development deadlines you should also wee your doctor if your child is no longer able to do something that they could. This is an indication they have a serious issue and will need medical assistance.
