Welcome to
Together is a new resource for anyone affected by pediatric cancer - patients and their parents, family members, and friends.
Learn MoreEvery day, we use our fingers, hands, and wrists for small, precise actions. Our muscles, nerves, and bones work together to control these movements. Fine motor control is the ability to do activities such as:
Treatment for cancer, sickle cell disease and other serious illnesses can sometimes cause weakness in a child’s hands and fingers. Making the muscles in your child’s hands stronger will help improve fine motor control.
Making the muscles in your child’s hands stronger will help improve fine motor control.
The following activities will help your child’s grip:
Dexterity is the fine control of a tool or an object by the fingers. These are some activities to improve your child’s dexterity:
To improve your child's dexterity, work on buttons, zippers, hooks, etc., and tie shoelaces.
Practice picking up objects with the fingertips and thumb:
Popping bubble wrap is one activity that can improve your child's pinching motion.
An occupational therapist may suggest more activities or exercises to help improve your child’s fine motor skills.
—
Reviewed: February 2022