Not Scribbling Yet? Where Do I Start?
By Dr. Aditi Mehra, DHSc, OTR/L
A child picks up a crayon but makes no marks. Another pushes the paper away. Where should you start?
Before choosing an activity, identify what is making participation difficult. Not scribbling does not automatically mean poor hand strength. The child may need more accessible materials, a different setup, or a more engaging invitation.
Start with access and opportunity
Offer a safe tool that makes marks easily, secure the paper, and provide comfortable positioning. Model a quick scribble, then pause for the child’s turn.
Notice what happens:
- Avoids the materials? Offer a choice of colors, draw alongside the child, or use a familiar theme.
- Struggles to hold the tool or reach the paper? Adjust the tool, surface position, or arm support.
- Moves the tool but leaves no mark? Try a low-resistance tool, such as a washable marker, and observe contact and pressure.
- Makes marks? Build on that success through playful turns and brief opportunities to practice.
Scribbling does not require recognizable shapes, a tripod grasp, or established hand dominance. The starting goal is child-generated mark-making.
Watch it in practice
My Straight Hair scribbling video offers a playful invitation to make marks. Adapt the materials and pace to the child, and accept their marks without requiring them to match the demonstration. The video will be embedded here once its link is verified.
Know when to look further
CDC lists scribbling as an 18-month milestone. If a child is not scribbling at that age or later, discuss developmental screening with their healthcare provider. Loss of skills, pain, or marked differences between sides also warrant further evaluation.
Track independent marks, time engaged, and assistance needed. Adult-guided movement is not independent scribbling.
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Reference: CDC—Milestones by 18 Months. The developmental checkpoint follows CDC guidance; this decision tree is a clinical reasoning resource rather than a validated screening tool.