(Nov 21) Most kids take to writing like ducks to water. But for some, the transition from wrapping a pudgy little fist around a crayon to holding a sharpened pencil correctly isn't seamless.

If this is the case with your child, don't simply shove a pen into his hand and make him do writing exercises, says occupational therapist Alicia Lim Siyuan from the National University Hospital.

If you think your child is taking too long to grasp the basics of writing, you may need to get him assessed on his ability, skill level and five senses - looking, moving, feeling, thinking and socialising.

'We should consider detailed movements. If the child cannot even hold other things properly, don't expect him to hold a pen,' said Ms Lim.

'We cannot force children to do things. Some of their muscles might not be strong enough.'

When analysing a slow developing child, she considers his attention span, how he interacts with others and how he performs in school to see if there is a behavioural aspect she needs to treat first.

She also tailors activities to what the child likes and responds to. This could include forming letters with playdough or letting him pretend to be a teacher and asking him to write on a blackboard.

Lab officer Madam Siti Salbiah, 40, has seen the benefits of such therapy.

She noticed things were amiss with her four-year-old son when he continued holding his pencil the way a two-year-old would.

She began taking him to occupational therapy sessions in June and has seen tremendous improvements after 12 sessions. The aim is to help him improve his grip. At home, Madam Siti Salbiah makes her son pick up clothes pegs with three fingers and place them in a bucket. He also practises by placing coins in a piggy bank.

Now, he has started to write downward and horizontal strokes, forming the letters T and L.

'Even his nursery teachers are saying they have seen a big improvement. I'm so happy,' said Madam Siti Salbiah.

Each occupational therapy session lasts 45 minutes and costs $30 at a subsidised price.

Writing will be one of the topics covered at a public forum for parents of preschoolers this Saturday from 1.30pm to 5pm. To find out more, please e-mail rehab_appts@nuh.com.sg or call 6772-5254.