Pencil control at 3 yo ... someone remind me please!

[wishingchair]

My 3 yo DD has suddenly stopped drawing. She says she doesn't know how to. Before this she was a prolific artist, particularly favouring jellyfish people ... you know ... big head then arms and legs protruding from all angles. But she's stopped.

She always held her pencil in her fist but I've been trying to show her how to hold it properly but she can't get it. I think this might have discouraged her.

So my question is: at what age should they be able to hold a pencil properly, and am I better off letting her hold it however she wants to as long as she is putting pen to paper somehow? She's a summer born baby so will be at school in Sept and am worrying a bit. DD1 was very different.

[overmydeadbody]

she's only 3. Leave her to it.

They should be able to hold a pencil properly at about 5 or 6 'd say.

Think about it this way, by the time she's 20 it really on't matter at all whether she was holding a pencil properly at 3 or 7, will it?

[wishingchair]

No I know, but my main comparison is to her older sister so just trying to get others. DD1 was able to hold a pencil and loved drawing and trying to write etc. If it really is no big deal to not be able to hold a pencil properly then fine, will chill out!

[Seeline]

Try getting her drawing/painting/mark making through other means - finger paints, sponge prints, 'drawing' in sand/cornflour goo, big drawing with rolls of wall paper and decorating brushes, or chalks on the patio. Get her to remember the fun of it. Leave the pencil holding for now and concentrate on her motor skills - play dough, construction toys, threading, using big tweezers or tongs etc.

[wishingchair]

That's a good idea seeline. She loves play dough and is good at threading and is a dab hand with her joined-together-chopsticks so no concerns about general motor skills so really should chill out. Tomorrow will be a messy day I think!

[Seeline]

Have fun