My Child Doesn’t Write Properly – Should I Be Worried?

As parents, we often compare our child’s progress with others, and when we notice that our child doesn’t write properly yet, it can make us feel anxious. However, writing is a process, not a race. In the early years, children are still developing their fine motor skills, hand strength, palm stability, and hand–eye coordination, which are essential before writing can happen comfortably. Sometimes children do not hold the pencil correctly, and this is not wrong—it simply means their muscles are not yet fully developed. These skills do not develop through writing alone; they grow naturally through play. Activities such as scribbling, drawing, tearing paper, squeezing playdough, threading beads, painting, building with blocks, climbing, and pouring water help strengthen the hands and improve control. Start slow and never demand that children write four or five pages at a time, because forcing writing can lead to frustration, a tight hand grip, loss of confidence, and even a dislike for writing. Writing should be enjoyable and stress-free so that grip improves gradually. Every child develops at their own pace, and pressure can take away the joy of learning. Writing will come when the hands are ready, because strong fingers lead to a confident grip, and a confident grip leads to beautiful writing. Let us trust the process and remember—play is the foundation of learning.