Technology Hindering Children’s Fine Motor Development?

Posted on 05 Oct 2015 by Elissa Sungar

Does technology consume your child’s play time? Unfortunately, many of us are guilty of using I-Pad and I-Phone Applications (apps), video, and computer games as well as hand held “learning” games to keep our children occupied at certain times, and simply quiet during other times!  Now, we are not saying children shouldn’t use technology. In fact, we know plenty of applications and computer games that are quite educational and definitely can have a place in your child’s play time. The question that adults need to answer- is my child’s play time comprised of just different forms of technology?

Living in an ever-changing world with new technology being developed every day, we need to remember the importance of play time. Coloring, painting and Play-doh were just some of the ways many of us spent our time as children. Each of these childhood pastimes challenged and developed our fine motor skills, much more than, we’ll say, the I-Pad!

A recent study looked at handwriting, and the effects it has on one’s success. For many, writing by hand is quicker than using a computer, and much more efficient when brainstorming. For the complete study go to http://bit.ly/cG2awY and find more about the benefits of children’s learning and using handwriting.

All in all, making sure your child is developing the appropriate fine motor skills is essential to successful handwriting. As early as the toddler stage, begin encouraging fine motor development. For toddlers, block building, dressing dolls and drawing with crayons or colored pencils are easy and great ways to develop fine motor skills. Save markers for special occasions because markers don’t require the child to push as hard to produce something on the paper, thus hindering the development of the small muscles in their hands and fingers. Preschool aged children should start incorporating scissors and clay into their play time. You can even turn everyday chores into an activity to encourage fine motor development. For example http://bit.ly/KmiwLg is a cooking activity! For more fun and fine motor activities to do with your preschooler visit us at ifnotyouwho.org. Thanks for stopping by!