Fine motor skills involve precise movements of small muscle groups in the hands and fingers, which are important when holding a pencil or grasping small objects. The dexterity of the hands and fingers positively affects the development of independence and self-confidence and is an essential part of a child's development. Fine motor skills make it easier for children to perform everyday activities such as painting, fastening buttons or tying knots. Good fine motor skills are also crucial for learning to write, draw shapes and cut accurately with scissors at school. Give your child plenty of opportunities to improve their hand and finger dexterity before they start school and avoid frustration in the classroom. Good fine motor skills will help your child to concentrate on new learning content instead of struggling with pens and other tools. Kitchen activities such as kneading dough and creative exercises such as painting with finger paints, stamping exercises, threading beads and coloring pictures promote fine motor skills. Provide your child with a variety of drawing materials, including colored pencils, finger paints, wax crayons, brushes and chalk, to enhance the dexterity of their hands and fingers. Using these materials in different ways improves the dexterity of the hands and fingers. With finger paints, for example, your child paints directly onto paper with their hands and when coloring with crayons, they learn to hold the pencil between their thumb and index finger. Craft activities using scissors, sharpeners and glue also promote fine motor skills. Small building blocks, LEGO and puzzles are also excellent tools for improving fine motor skills. Support your child in all activities that give them pleasure and at the same time support the dexterity of their hands and fingers.

Well-developed fine motor skills enable loose and smooth movements of the hands and fingers. With increasing age, children become better and better at accurately coloring a picture, tying shoes or forming colorful figures from playdough. Compared to other five-year-old children, however, some children show noticeable weaknesses in their fine motor development. They have difficulty fastening buttons and when painting or cutting, their movements are cramped and very imprecise. These children also have difficulties handling knives and forks. They therefore feel insecure, anxious and less self-confident. Their enjoyment of activities such as painting or handicrafts is also impaired. If a child struggles with coordinating their hands and fingers, it's advisable to consult a pediatrician. This helps your child avoid potential problems at school. Targeted support for the hands and fingers will improve your child's daily life and make it easier for them to learn to write at school later on. Activities such as handicrafts, painting and building promote the child's fine motor skills. Daily exercise and involving your child in everyday activities such as baking or tidying up also have a positive effect on fine motor skills and general development. Encourage independence when getting dressed and tying shoes, even if the child finds it difficult. Practicing requires effort and concentration. If parents simplify everything, the child is not given the opportunity to face challenges and persevere. The child's joy will be all the greater when it realizes that many things are easier to do on its own. Strengthen your child's self-confidence and independence through patience, understanding and praise. Help your child to positively cope with their motor challenges. By using the support activities described above, you assist them in enhancing their fine motor skills. Shared experiences in crafting or building also help to strengthen the bond between you and your child and improve their communication skills, by talking about these activities.