In order to support the baby's independence, the child's fine motor skills must be built and stimulated properly. Although it seems trivial, this ability is very necessary for their growth and development. Fine motor skills are the ability to move limbs involving nerves, bones, and muscles, to perform certain activities. Most of these activities involve the fingers and toes. Some examples of fine motor skills that play a role in children's independence are the ability to open doors, brush teeth, wash hands, paint or write, move toes, and open and close clothes buttons.
Types of Toys to Train Children's Fine Motor Skills
To get good fine motor skills, children must have strength, coordination, and the ability to move the muscles in their fingers and toes well. Children's fine motor skills can begin to be trained when he is around 1-2 years old. The following are some types of games that can help children in building fine motor skills:
1. Play with rubber bands
One way that can be done to train the small muscles of children is to give them a rubber band to play with. Teach your little one to put a rubber band around the can. While doing so, Mom and Dad can also invite your little one to learn to count.
2. Play with paper
Prepare unused paper on the table and place your little one's hands on it. Ask him to squeeze the paper into a ball, without raising his hand. In addition, you can also ask your little one to cut out the pictures in magazines or books, then paste the pictures on paper to make a unique collage.
3. Play with candles
Toys in the form of dough, such as wax or clay, can also be used to train children's fine motor skills. Let the child pinch the dough parts with his fingers, and be creative to form the things he likes. In addition to candles and clay, cake dough can also be used for games.
4. Teach children to eat with a spoon
Teach your little one to use a spoon or fork when eating. Even if the meal is messy, don't help it. Let your little one figure out for themselves how to grip and direct cutlery properly. If your little one is around 15 months old, he can also be taught to drink alone with a glass or sippy cup. The use of the sippy cup can also be started when your little one starts getting complementary foods or when they reach 6 months of age.
5. Arrange blocks and puzzles
Other games that can help your child's fine motor development are assembling blocks and puzzles. Ask your little one to arrange blocks and puzzles into the shape he likes. Mom and Dad can also prepare an empty bucket to be filled with toys. Invite your little one to fill the bucket with his toys, then ask him to pour it until it's empty. This game can help fine motor skills develop properly.
6. Games on gadgets
Games on gadgets are more suitable for children over the age of 2 years. There are so many games on gadgets, such as cellphones and tablets, that children can play. This game has various features to make it easier for children to play while practicing their motor skills. An example is a game of pointing a picture, drawing, or coloring pictures on a gadget. However, you should limit your child's time to play gadgets to a maximum of 1 hour per day.
You can also use items at home, such as empty containers, boxes, pots, and pans, as a medium for building your little one's fine motor skills. Do games or activities that make your little one use both hands together. If it is difficult to determine the type of game that is suitable, or if your little one does not seem able to play with toys according to his age, Mother and Father can consult further with the pediatrician.
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