Finger/pencil grips for writing for 7yo - good idea?

[FishfingersAreOK]

DD loves writing and literacy - but she is finding her finger(s) get really painful. She has asked if it is is possible for me to get her a padded grip for her to use to stop it hurting.

I know I can get such a thing but before I do want to ask teachers/anyone with experience if anything bad about them. Are there any downsides - will if affect her writing neatness etc or anything? Are there alternatives? Or should I just reassure her her finger will just toughen up?

FWIW she is left handed, still using a pencil at school and her handwriting is generally scarily, wonderfully neat.

She might be gripping the pencil too tightly in which case a piece of sponge wrapped round the pencil might be better.
I've often used pen grips for children who are left or right handed but generally if their writing is less controlled and messier. It won't do any harm and is worth a try. Alternatively you can but triangular shaped pencils but the lead is normally quite thick or just use blu-tak to mould a comfortable shape.
Just check that her pen grip is correct ( two fingers and thumb on pencil) because if it's wrong it can make writing uncomfortable and the longer you leave it the harder it is to change.
Good luck.

This is why I love Mumsnet! Thank you. Got her to write for me this morning and she does hold her pencil quite tightly - so that may be the issue (it is hurting her 4th finger where it rests as she pushed down. I have suggests she tries to relax a bit. And also a quick word with her teacher - who says she has some grips somewhere so she will get one out for her.

Thank you!

Also try a sponge/ squeeze ball to help sterner the muscles. Like mentioned, does sound like her grip is maybe too tight. X