Fine Motor Skills

What are fine motor skills?

Fine motor skills involve the small muscles of the hands and fingers. These skills help children complete everyday tasks like doing up buttons, opening lunchboxes, drawing, writing, cutting with scissors, and using cutlery.

Strong fine motor skills are essential for both the quality and speed of task performance. These skills rely on a range of abilities working together—such as hand strength, coordination, and finger control.

Why are fine motor skills important?

Fine motor skills are vital for many aspects of daily life, including:

Self-care tasks like dressing, brushing teeth, and eating
Kindy and school activities like writing, colouring, and cutting
Play and independence in creative or hands-on tasks

When fine motor skills are delayed, children may struggle with independence, school participation, or confidence when comparing themselves to peers.

What skills support fine motor development?

Children need several “building blocks” to develop strong fine motor skills, including:

Bilateral Integration: Using both hands together, with one leading (e.g. opening a jar).
Crossing the Midline: Reaching across the body’s centre to complete a task.
Hand and Finger Strength: Muscle power needed for gripping and manipulating tools.
Hand-Eye Coordination: Guiding hand movements with visual input (e.g. handwriting).
Hand Dominance: Consistent use of one hand to develop precision and control.
Hand Division: Using the thumb, index, and middle finger for movement, while the other fingers provide stability.
Object Manipulation: Controlling tools like pencils, scissors, or cutlery with skill.
Body Awareness (Proprioception): Understanding where our body is in space to control movement effectively.

Signs your child might be struggling

If your child has difficulties with fine motor skills, you might notice:

Immature or awkward pencil grasp
Fatigue during writing, colouring, or computer use
Difficulty with scissors, buttons, shoelaces, or threading
Slow or messy handwriting and drawing
Avoidance of precise tasks (e.g. Lego, puzzles)
Challenges with independent self-care tasks

Other difficulties that can arise

Fine motor challenges can impact more than just handwriting. They may also lead to:

Avoidance of fine motor tasks at school or home
Frustration and reduced confidence
Difficulty showing academic knowledge due to handwriting challenges
Delays in using technology (e.g. typing or using a mouse)
Increased reliance on adults or peers to complete tasks

How can I support my child's fine motor skills?

There are many playful and simple ways to build fine motor strength and coordination at home:

Threading and lacing with large or small beads
Tongs or tweezers to pick up objects like pom poms or marbles
Play-doh play focusing on finger movements rather than full-hand squeezing
Construction play using Lego, K’Nex, or blocks
Games like Connect 4 or Pick-Up Sticks
Craft activities with cutting, taping, and gluing
Opening and closing jars or lunchbox containers for real-life practice

When to seek occupational therapy

If you're concerned about your child's fine motor skills, an Occupational Therapist (OT) can help. Early support can:

Improve your child’s ability to participate in fine motor tasks at home and school
Strengthen independence in self-care routines (e.g. dressing, using cutlery)
Build confidence and reduce frustration during writing, cutting, and play
Prevent long-term academic and emotional impacts

What happens if these skills aren't addressed?

Without support, ongoing fine motor difficulties may lead to:

Challenges keeping up in class or during assessments
Poor handwriting that affects learning and self-expression
Increased fatigue and avoidance of tasks
Anxiety and low self-esteem
Delays in life skills like dressing, tying shoelaces, or feeding independently

If you notice your child is struggling with fine motor tasks, we’re here to help. Our occupational therapy team provides fun, play-based support to help children develop the skills they need to thrive at home, school, and beyond.