Milestones mark your babys drawing and writing skills

From a very young age, my darling tried to write. Although still naive, all those brush strokes and drawings are the beginning to prepare for literacy.

Many babies have been able to hold crayons and draw scribbles on paper when they are only 12–13 months old. Your child's skills will improve day by day throughout the early childhood days until they are able to draw and write meaningful things.

12 to 18 months old

During the last few months of the first year, some of your child's motor skills will gradually improve. The baby has the ability to hold crayons and begins to be curious. By 12–13 months of age, many babies are able to write and draw out a few lines, while others only doodle a little.

It is normal if the child takes longer to hold the pen. Each child has different learning levels, some children will learn quickly and vice versa. By 16 months, your baby will be better at drawing and writing.

19 to 25 months old

Babies begin to draw and write although they still don't know the shapes of letters and numbers. You will become addicted to drawing with pens or crayons. Parents should also pay attention because the baby can draw on the wall at this time. When drawing, your baby will create more shapes on paper than just drawing one thing. You can try drawing one line at a time so that your child will imitate it even if his drawing is not straight.

26 to 30 months old

During the age of 29–30 months, your baby can draw clearer shapes. Your baby will be passionate about drawing different objects and coloring them.

Your baby will also begin to convey thoughts into the pictures. Take a closer look and parents may recognize some numbers or letters by doodling. Children will also practice signing their names on the pictures even though the adults don't recognize them.

31 to 36 months old

At 2 and a half years old, my darling has been able to hold a firmer crayon or pen. According to research, children at this age often have the ability to control the pen and move up and down to form the letter "V". This requires ingenuity in children to draw straight lines.

At 3 years old, you can draw circles and write some letters even though the strokes don't look obvious. Your baby will start from practicing writing his own name or a few letters in it. Parents should not pressure their children to learn to write letters. Wait until your baby is interested in learning. Writing is a self-developing skill that takes time for your child  to practice and practice on their own.

Next step

Before school age, your child will get used to using crayons and pencils as well as drawing more detailed and accurate pictures. Most children will be able to write their names when they are in preschool, especially when learning the alphabet. Sometimes before the age of 5, a baby will learn to create a horizon to draw circles and the sun or draw a human face.

Each baby has a different developmental process, but if the baby still does not show signs of writing by 15–16 months old, parents should see a doctor. Hope the above article will help you in tracking your baby's development.