When Writing and Hand Tasks Feel Hard
You may notice that your child takes a long time to finish a drawing, avoids colouring, gets tired while writing or holds their pencil in a way that looks uncomfortable.
It can show up in other everyday tasks too. Cutting with scissors, opening buttons, picking up small objects or doing up a zip may also take more effort than you'd expect.
Sometimes, your child knows exactly what they want to do but their hands aren't quite keeping up.
What Parents May Notice
Holds the pencil awkwardly or keeps changing their grip
Presses too hard or too lightly when writing
Gets tired quickly during drawing or writing
Finds it difficult to pick up, hold or move small objects
Writing is slow, messy or difficult to read
Struggles to cut along a line with scissors
Finds buttons, zips, shoelaces or other fasteners frustrating
How We Help
We look at how your child is using their hands and what is making the task difficult.
Occupational therapy can work on hand strength, pencil control, coordination and the small movements needed for writing and everyday tasks. If your child needs extra help with writing itself, other learning support may also be considered.
We'll also show you simple activities you can try at home without turning every practice session into homework.