🐝 BEE-lieve in Strong Hands: Building Hand Strength at Home (Without the Stress)

I’m Rochelle, a paediatric OT passionate about making therapy simple, low-cost, and fun for families who already have plenty on their plates. Whether you’re prepping your child for school, supporting their play, or just navigating everyday life, let’s talk hand strength. It's a big deal and often overlooked.

Why does hand strength matter?

Strong hands help kids do so much. We're talking about using cutlery, opening containers, holding pencils, managing zippers and buttons, and even climbing playground equipment. For older kids, it's about getting their brilliant ideas onto paper at school without tiring out. For little ones, it shows up in play, when they can't squeeze the water spray bottle or struggle to build with blocks. These are signs that hand muscles need a bit of love.

Fun ways to build hand strength at home

Here are some of my favourite OT-approved activities that help build hand strength for toddlers and primary schoolers, using things you probably already have at home:

• Playdough play: Squish it like a pancake, roll snakes and balls, use cookie cutters, or turn it into animals and cut them with plastic knives.

• Peg pinching: Peg clothes to a line or match coloured pegs to a plate.

• Water gun target game: Line up plastic cups with balls on top and squirt them down!

• Rescue the animals: Wrap rubber bands around mini toys. Your child has to “save” them by stretching and removing the bands.

• Sponge squeezing: Fill up a bowl and have your child soak and squeeze sponges. Great for hand muscles and loads of fun.

• Paper toss: Scrunch paper into balls and aim for a basket. Add points or timers if they enjoy a challenge.

These build fine motor skills and hand strength, both important for school readiness and everyday independence.

Making it work (even when you're time poor)

If your child switches hands often during tasks, they might seem ambidextrous, but this is usually a sign of muscle fatigue. Encourage them to use their dominant hand and take breaks when needed. Over time, this builds stamina and helps them feel more in control.

Every activity doesn’t need to be a therapy session. These ideas fit easily into playtime or daily routines, and they don’t require fancy equipment or expensive setups. That’s a win!

A little secret just for you…

Our School Ready Group is running in Term 4 on the Gold Coast (Nerang). If you're interested, spots are limited, so get in touch via our enquiry page to secure your place.

And… something exciting is coming! We're putting together hand strength home kits for families with all these awesome activities inside. Want to be the first to know when they're released? Join our mailing list and you’ll get the inside scoop before anyone else.

You’ve got this, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

Bee-lieve in your little one (and yourself too!)

Rochelle 🐝