Kids have to practice handwriting on special handwriting paper. Teaching them on a normal notebook paper will lead to confusion. On handwriting paper every letter or number is written within a character spacer line. Writing lines act as a guide - they help the child to write the letter with the correct height, width and length. Another important thing is the spacing between letters and spacing between words. The spacing has to be consistent through out. Initially they could space two words by measuring the space between words with their small finger. When a child gets comfortable with the sizing of the letters and spacing them correctly they can make the transition from the handwriting paper to a normal notebook paper.

Once we have the handwriting paper sorted the next thing to focus on is the right way to practice each alphabet. As an adult we sometimes tend to forget how hard writing alphabets can be for kids. We need to teach them to write each alphabet the right way. Good handwriting worksheets will have numbers and arrows on each alphabet. There are usually three numbers on each alphabet. '1? is where you start from - so the child starts at '1? and goes along the direction of the arrow. And then the child goes to '2? and moves along the direction of the arrow next to '2?. And then finally the child goes to '3? and moves along the direction of the arrow next to '3?

Next step is to practice, practice and practice. Make it a fun exercise. Don't practice for too long every day. This will make children too tired and bored and as a result they might not look forward to the next handwriting practice session. Oversee your children's work. How quickly they finish the exercise is not important. More important is how well they are writing each alphabet. Sit with them when they are practicing. Your involvement will make it more fun for them.

A good pencil grip is extremely important. If a child has incorrect pencil grip then correct them. The pencil should be positioned so that there is equal pressure between the thumb, the side of the middle finger and the tip of the index finger.

If your child has problem with smudging with pencil then use a harder lead pencil (a higher number for your lead pencil).

If your child is left handed then small changes to paper position will help them to learn good handwriting skills. There are special products specifically designed for left handed children. You should consider using them and it will make the whole learning process much easier.

Be patient with your children. Learning handwriting is not an easy task. It takes time, effort and a lot of practice. Encourage your children. Praise their achievements. In time they will master perfect handwriting.

And finally never ever compare one child's handwriting with another. Every child will learn good handwriting skills in their own time. As long they are practicing the alphabets regularly and learning handwriting skills the right way they will all become masters in their own time.