If your child has problems with fine motor skills due to a condition diagnosed by a pediatric neurologist, they may have a hard time developing muscles and control in their hands and wrists. Practicing fine motor skills is important for any child, but you should spend extra time helping your child.

Practice doesn’t have to be a chore, however! Play and exploration are the most important parts of the development of these skills, so activities designed to help your child develop their motor skills can be a time for both fun and bonding.

1. Playdough and Clay

Squeezing, rolling and shaping playdough and clay is an entertaining way for children to practice their fine motor skills. It’s a very helpful activity for strengthening the muscles in your child’s hands and wrists.

2. The Sponge Game

Small children enjoy repetitious activities that allow them to master the use of their body. To help your child develop their hand muscles and reasoning skills, give them a few bowls with varying levels of water.

Have your child change the amount of water in each bowl by soaking and squeezing the sponge. You can also use food coloring in each bowl and allow your child to mix colors using their sponge.

3. Origami and Paper Art

Cutting and folding paper is a great way to help your child practice their fine motor skills. From creating paper art to playing with paper dolls, find the paper activities your child enjoys and give them plenty of opportunities to play and create.

4. String and Clapping Games

Mirroring games involving clapping or creating shapes with string are a time-tested activity for helping children develop fine motor and social skills.