As chiropractors, we often hear about concerns related to kids' posture, coordination, and motor development. What many parents don’t realize is that fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination play a huge role in how kids move, grow, and even feel in their bodies—starting as early as 4-7 months old. Let’s break it down!
What Are Fine Motor Skills?
Fine motor skills involve the small muscles of the hands, wrists, and fingers, allowing us to perform precise movements. One of the earliest examples of fine motor development is the pincer grip, which begins around 7 months. This is when a baby learns to use their thumb and pointer finger together to:
Feed themselves
Button clothes
Snap their fingers
Hold a pencil
Tie their shoes
This key milestone builds a foundation for future strength, dexterity, and coordination—and it’s a skill we continue to refine well into adulthood!
Eye-hand coordination is the connection between what we see and how we move. It starts developing around 4 months old and involves reaching, grabbing, and placing objects with intention.
However, challenges can arise that impact this coordination, such as vision issues, movement control challenges (ataxia), high or low muscle tone, decreased finger dexterity and weak core strength. These challenges can affect everything from posture to motor milestones, leading to difficulty with tasks like handwriting, feeding, or tying shoes.
In today’s world, kids spend more time on screens and less time using their hands for play and movement. While technology has its place, too much screen time can lead to a lack of balance and reduced opportunities to strengthen these crucial motor skills.
Our bodies are designed for movement—not long stretches of inactivity or repetitive motions. Focusing on movement-based activities that challenge fine motor skills is essential for healthy development.
Here are simple, practical ways to build fine motor skills and improve eye-hand coordination:
Play with puzzles
Use playdough or clay to build finger strength
Practice picking up small objects (e.g., Cheerios, beads)
Encourage coloring, drawing, or lacing cards
Play movement-based games that challenge balance and coordination
Therapies like chiropractic care, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and myofascial release can also help kids improve their movement patterns, posture, and body awareness.
Fine motor control and body awareness give us important insight into how the brain is communicating with the rest of the body. When kids struggle with motor skills or posture, it can indicate imbalances in their nervous system or alignment.
Chiropractic care helps support smooth, accurate movement patterns by improving spinal alignment, nervous system function, and overall posture. This not only benefits kids' fine motor development now but can also prevent postural strain and pain later in life.
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or teacher, encouraging play-based activities that challenge movement and coordination is a simple yet powerful way to support a child’s growth. And remember—balance is key. Movement matters, screens in moderation, and play is the best medicine!
If you’re noticing concerns with your child’s posture, motor skills, or overall movement, reach out to us HERE!
And remember, we’re always here to help with all of your family's chiropractic needs in San Diego, CA!
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