Strong hands and fingers – how everyday activities support fine motor skills

The vast array of products and toys available for your toddler can be confusing – do they need new things to develop their fine motor skills? The ideas on your activities tab will give you suggestions that are perfect for your toddler – but we thought it might be helpful to highlight some of the simple, everyday things that help develop co-ordination and control.  

When we talk about fine motor control, we are talking about being able to co-ordinate movements made with the smaller muscles in our body. But, like so much of development, this control depends on other aspects.  

Smaller movements depend on larger movements  

While your toddler is getting better at controlling smaller muscles, such as those in their fingers – they will still often need to move their whole arm (or even their whole body) to get a movement just right.  

So, don’t try to move towards little movements too quickly – keep giving them lots of space and time for moving around.  

What does your toddler do every day that might help them develop co-ordination? 

Turning on (or off) a light switch 

If you’re happy for your toddler to turn the light on or off, this can be a great way to use their index finger on its own and make it a bit stronger.  

Eating 

Eating is a great fine motor workout – with both using cutlery and picking up food with their fingers being good practice for controlling fingers and thinking about which grip to use.  

Brushing teeth 

We know you will probably still need to have a turn brushing your toddler’s teeth to make sure they are really clean, but letting them have a go with their own toothbrush gives them a chance to co-ordinate movements. 

Getting dressed 

Getting dressed involves lots of big movements, but also some smaller ones, so if you have time to let your toddler fasten their own zip or put on their socks, that’s another brilliant chance to develop some skills!  

Tidying up and packing their bag 

Helping to tidy is a great way to practise picking up different objects, and then moving them to put them on a shelf or in a box involves more planning, co-ordinating and carrying out movements.  

Putting things in a bag is another good work out for your toddler’s hands and fingers.  

Your toddler will develop their fine motor skills as they play with their toys, but as you can see there are lots of chances to get their hands and fingers stronger in everyday life too – so get them involved when you can!