Helping Children Develop Fine Motor Skills Through Occupational Therapy in Phnom Penh

Does your child struggle to hold a pencil, use scissors, or fasten buttons? These everyday tasks rely on fine motor skills—the coordination of small muscles in the hands and fingers. When these skills are underdeveloped, it can impact writing, self-care, and classroom participation.

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our pediatric occupational therapists help children strengthen their fine motor abilities through individualized, play-based therapy sessions. With the right guidance and tools, every child can build the control and confidence they need for daily independence.

What Are Fine Motor Skills?

Fine motor skills involve the small movements used to manipulate objects, write, dress, and feed oneself. These skills require:

• Hand strength

• Finger dexterity

• Hand-eye coordination

• Grip control

• Bilateral coordination (using both hands together)

These abilities begin developing in infancy and continue through childhood. Delays in fine motor development can affect academic performance, self-care, and overall independence.

Related post: Scissor Skills – Why They Matter and How to Support Them

Signs of Fine Motor Delays

Children with fine motor challenges may:

• Avoid drawing, coloring, or writing

• Struggle with zippers, buttons, or shoelaces

• Use an awkward or weak pencil grip

• Drop items frequently or use two hands for one-handed tasks

• Get frustrated easily during arts and crafts

• Tire quickly when using their hands

These signs are often visible during schoolwork or routine tasks like eating or dressing. They may also lead to low confidence or frustration in the classroom.

If you notice these signs, a full occupational therapy assessment can help identify the underlying cause.

How OrbRom’s OT Program Builds Fine Motor Skills

At OrbRom Center, our occupational therapists begin with an evaluation to understand your child’s strengths and difficulties. Then we build a personalized plan targeting specific fine motor goals. Our approach includes:

• Hand-strengthening exercises (e.g., playdough, putty, squeezing tools)

• Bilateral coordination tasks (e.g., lacing, threading beads)

• Grip training using adaptive tools and pencil grips

• Visual-motor integration activities (e.g., tracing, puzzles, mazes)

• Self-care practice like buttoning, zipping, or utensil use

Therapy is structured but fun. We incorporate games, stories, and sensory tools to keep your child engaged while building real-world skills.

Check out: Shape Puzzles and Tools to Develop Fine Motor Skills

Why Fine Motor Skills Matter in the Classroom

Fine motor development directly affects academic performance. Children need these skills for:

• Writing legibly

• Cutting and gluing projects

• Manipulating books and school tools

• Participating in group activities

Without intervention, these challenges can impact grades, self-esteem, and behavior. Early therapy ensures your child keeps up and feels confident at school.

We also collaborate with teachers to align goals and strategies across home, therapy, and classroom.

Also read: One-on-One Teaching and Undivided Attention

Tools and Tips for Parents

At OrbRom, we train parents to support fine motor skill growth at home. You can help by:

• Encouraging play with building blocks, drawing, or clay

• Practicing dressing skills daily (e.g., buttons, Velcro, zippers)

• Using adapted grips, scissors, or utensils when needed

• Limiting screen time and encouraging hands-on activities

Our therapists also recommend visual schedules and sensory breaks for children who need structure to stay engaged.

Want more ideas? Visit: Sensory Shop Tools That Support Motor Development

Why Choose OrbRom Center for Fine Motor Therapy?

Located in central Phnom Penh, OrbRom Center provides:

• Licensed occupational therapists trained in pediatric fine motor development

• Khmer-English bilingual support

• Sensory-aware therapy environments

• Integration with speech therapy when needed

• Family involvement and home carryover activities

We celebrate progress in all forms—whether it’s holding a spoon or writing a full sentence.

Final Thoughts: Small Movements, Big Milestones

Fine motor skills are foundational for independence, learning, and everyday success. If your child is falling behind in writing, dressing, or using tools, occupational therapy at OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh can make all the difference. Through personalized, hands-on therapy, we help children gain the strength, coordination, and confidence to succeed.

Schedule an occupational therapy consultation at OrbRom Center