“I hate writing!” Since most schooling has been done at home these past few months, have you noticed that your child seems to avoid writing at all costs? Do meltdowns occur around tasks that involve handwriting? If so, there could be an actual skill deficit that is keeping your child from reaching their true writing potential! Here are some common underlying issues that can have a negative impact on your child’s handwriting potential:
It could be a hand strength issue. This could be noted by “sloppy” writing or difficulty properly holding the pencil.
It could be visual perceptual issues. This means that your child may have more difficulty following the lines when writing and reversals.
It could be visual motor issues. This means that it may be difficult for your child to properly copy or create letters/words that they see.
It could be an attention issue and it’s hard for your child to sit and focus. This could be evident by any difficulty sitting still.
It could be a combination of a few, which can often be the case.
Whatever the issues, handwriting does not have to be a “chore”. With help from your occupational therapist, we can identify the issue(s) and establish a plan that will help your child move forward on their writing journey.
This Fall we will be offering handwriting groups both in person and virtually. This can be a fun way to work on writing and takes some of the pressure off of you, the parent. If you’re interested in enrolling your child in a handwriting group, or for a handwriting evaluation and therapy in general, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Melissa Grant, the Director of FUNdamentals, at OTcanbeFUN@gmail.com.