Activities to Strengthen Your Child’s Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills are something people often take for granted, because they are used to complete really normal tasks like buttoning up a shirt, writing, using cutlery, or tying our laces. Believe it or not, fine motor skills take practise in order to master, and we become better at them as the small muscles in our hands, fingers, and wrists become stronger. The good news is, there are various activities you can explore with your little one at home, in order to help their fine motor skills, develop. Here are some tips from a prep school in Hampstead.

Encourage Independent Dressing

When your child is getting dressed in the morning, you may be inclined to help them in order to speed up the process. It would be far more beneficial to their development if you got them out of bed a little sooner so that they have time to dress themselves independently. Actions such as teeth and hair brushing, doing up zips and buttons, and tying shoelaces will all contribute to improved fine motor skills.

Promote Arts & Crafts

Creative activities, such as colouring, painting, gluing, and cutting, all involve the small muscles in the hands and fingers, so encouraging your child to get creativity will be hugely beneficial to their fine motor skills. Again, try and give them some space to carry out these tasks independently. Even scribbling with a crayon is a great place to start. 

Play Board Games

As your child gets a little older, try and find time to play lots of board games and jigsaws with them. These involve the manipulation of small pieces, which is key for their fine motor development and hand-eye co-ordination. Lego is also a good idea because this involves pushing and pulling and controlling tiny objects. 

Remember that all children develop at different rates, and just because your child might not be as advanced as someone else their age, it doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s a problem. However, if you are genuinely concerned about their fine motor development, don’t hesitate to contact your GP.