Your toddler's writing starts at the shoulder

When your toddler first begins to draw and write they control their movements from their shoulder. With lots of practice they will gain greater control of their arm, elbow, wrist and fingers and their writing will become smaller and eventually more precise.

Our shoulders play a key part in the writing process as a combination of shoulder and arm movements work in combination. The arm and shoulder naturally follow our fingers, hand and wrist when we move pen across paper. 

Standing to draw 

You'll probably notice that when they start to write, your toddler extends their arm out straight in front of them in a way that requires strength from their shoulders. They might prefer to stand to draw or write on a vertical surface like a wall or easel, or lie on their tummy and write on paper or card on the ground. This allows them to move their whole arm and will give them more postural freedom than sitting down.

Developing strong shoulders will help your toddler develop the strength and control they need for writing, and there are some simple ways you can encourage this (while having fun!).

5 top tips for promoting shoulder stability and strength

1. Climbing is a great way to help to improve shoulder stability. You could try setting up some safe surfaces for your toddler to try climbing onto (always stay with your toddler when they're climbing).
2. A trip to a park with swings, slides, ladders and ropes will offer up loads of ways to promote shoulder strength. 
3. Crawling is also a great way to help with shoulder stability. Tunnels are wonderful; if you don't have a ready-made one, you can create tunnels and obstacle courses with sleeping bags, bedding,  tablecloths and tables and chairs. 
4. Encourage your toddler to 'walk like an animal' where they have to weight bear through their arms and hands – they could try a bear walk, inchworm crawl or snake slither. 
5. Washing windows or cleaning kitchen cupboards will give your toddler's shoulders a great strengthening workout – good for you too if they're an eager helper!