Is it normal that my 4 year old cannot grasp concept of computer mouse?

angelrue522

Hello.I am a little concerned my son who just turned 4 in April cannot grasp the concept of the computer mouse. He just doesn't understand to correlation between the mouse and computer screen. He also doesn't understand video games and how to use the controllers. He gets very frustrated and wants me to play the game/computer while he watches.I know other 4 year olds who are great at these things.I do realize all children develop at different paces but would you be concerned at all? Is this normal? ( He is also a little lacking on his coloring and writing skills and has also not seemed to pick a dominant hand.

Any tips on how to develop his fine motor skills? We work on tracing every night, but when he colors he just takes the crayon and scribbles over everything.

 

DallasTX

Play dough is good to build strength and I use sites like this for ideas:

https://prekinders.com/fine-motor-skills/

If you're noticing delays in other areas, I'd make sure he was in a Pre-K program or a child care with a strong Pre-K focus. Children do really well in groups to develop these skills. You may even arrange a playdate with a computer-skilled child so he can learn from a peer.

Normal? What's normal?

neverblushed

This is something I would mention to a preschool teacher or pediatrician.  An OT eval might be in order.

 

stdldb29

angelrue522:

Hello.I am a little concerned my son who just turned 4 in April cannot grasp the concept of the computer mouse. He just doesn't understand to correlation between the mouse and computer screen. He also doesn't understand video games and how to use the controllers. He gets very frustrated and wants me to play the game/computer while he watches.I know other 4 year olds who are great at these things.I do realize all children develop at different paces but would you be concerned at all? Is this normal? ( He is also a little lacking on his coloring and writing skills and has also not seemed to pick a dominant hand.

Any tips on how to develop his fine motor skills? We work on tracing every night, but when he colors he just takes the crayon and scribbles over everything.

 

When did he turn 4? I think this is normal, I have taught pre-k in the public school, and this sounds a bit normal to me. My DS wouldn't have a clue what to do with video games or a mouse because he hasn't been exposed.

Just keep working with him, do those lacing boards, the threading pasta on to yarn, play dough, things like that!  

angelrue522

stdldb29:

angelrue522:

Hello.I am a little concerned my son who just turned 4 in April cannot grasp the concept of the computer mouse. He just doesn't understand to correlation between the mouse and computer screen. He also doesn't understand video games and how to use the controllers. He gets very frustrated and wants me to play the game/computer while he watches.I know other 4 year olds who are great at these things.I do realize all children develop at different paces but would you be concerned at all? Is this normal? ( He is also a little lacking on his coloring and writing skills and has also not seemed to pick a dominant hand.

Any tips on how to develop his fine motor skills? We work on tracing every night, but when he colors he just takes the crayon and scribbles over everything.

 

When did he turn 4? I think this is normal, I have taught pre-k in the public school, and this sounds a bit normal to me. My DS wouldn't have a clue what to do with video games or a mouse because he hasn't been exposed.

Just keep working with him, do those lacing boards, the threading pasta on to yarn, play dough, things like that!  

 

He did just turn 4 in April.

Court0026

I don't think it is necessarily indicative of a problem.  When I taught pre-k, many kids did not know how to use a mouse.  I spent a good couple of weeks teaching my son so I could use the elliptical while he sat in my full view on my computer   It was definitely a learning process and he really, really wanted to get it.  I think their OT skills are all over the place at this age.  I agree about preschool.  Always good for exposure of skills, etc.  My son can form all of the letters of the alphabet, but cannot color.  He only scribbles.  This has been going on for maybe 6 months.  He also is not a good cutter and he refuses to change his grip so he holds his writing tools in this crazy, upside-down hold.  Like I said, all over the place.