Fine Motor Skills

My son is 4 1/2 years old, he still will not pedel a tricycle or write a number or letter.  His speech seems normal. He is an anxious child, afraid of alot of things (clowns, animals, crowds).  Is this a serous situation or is he just behind other kids?  What can be done to improve his fine motor skills?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear GDT,

I hope this does not sound superficial to you, but if your son's pediatrician is assuring you that your son's development is proceeding well, you needn't worry. If you are concerned that his fine motor functioning is hampered by some medical condition, or even delayed development, you can seek an evaluation by an occupational therapist to see if any specialized intervention is required. It probably will not be. As long as you are exposing your son to the normal childhood play experiences, you needn't do anything else. Development will rum its course.