Are you trying to figure out what skills to teach your child at an early age? You might hear experts recommend developing fine motor skills. But what exactly are they, and why are they important?
It refers to body functions that later become the most used. Still, you might wonder why you should start childhood development there.
Here’s a guide to explain fine motor skills and why they matter in early childhood. Read on!
What Are Fine Motor Skills?
Fine motor skills define the ability to control fine muscles in the body to move and accomplish tasks. It usually involves the hands, fingers, toes, eyes, and tongue or mouth.
Here are a few examples to help you visualize it:
- Holding an object between fingers
- Eating with a spoon
- Writing on paper
- Clapping hands
- Brushing teeth
The Value of Fine Motor Skills in Early Childhood Development
If you think about it, fine motor skills aren’t as complicated as they sound. It mostly refers to simple body movements. So, how do they contribute to childhood development?
The following are a couple of points to explain how fine motor skills help children grow:
Physical Functions
One of the forms of development children should learn at an early age is physical function. It helps them understand how to make all their body parts work together to complete a task rather than learning them independently.
It urges your child to learn to use multiple senses to complete a task. For example, they should use their hands and eyes to catch a ball or their fingers or hands and eyes to play an instrument.
To get started on your child’s development, make sure to view this occupational therapist for consistent guidance and lessons.
Independence
Children feel and become more independent when they develop fine motor skills as early as possible. It lets them hold their bottle or unzip their bag on their own.
Moreover, they build a sense of achievement and confidence as they grow.
Self-Care
Children learn self-care tasks when they start using small muscles in their bodies, especially with their hands. It goes anywhere from tying their shoelaces to washing their hands and hair.
You can detect their developmental milestones through these changes since it determines how much they can function for themselves.
Crafts and Skills
Fine motor skills teach your child how to do crafts or other skills. But before getting there, they should understand how to operate their hands and eyes.
Once they get used to it, they can quickly learn how to do other skills, such as writing, reading, and drawing. They might even develop other talents along the way.
Concentration
In teaching your child fine motor activities, they should stay focused to understand how to operate senses together. As a result, it helps them develop their concentration level and grows their attention span, even at a young age.
Understand the Value of Fine Motor Skills in Childhood Development
Fine motor skills are essential for children’s growth and development, as they can help children practice problem-solving, self-expression, and coordination.
With the help of play and creative experiences, children can hone their fine motor skills, enhancing their physical, cognitive, and social development.
So, don’t wait. Engage your child in activities that help improve their fine motor skills for a more successful future!
