Little Hands, Big Skills: Scissor Development for Young Kids

Learning to use scissors is about much more than just cutting paper—it helps kids develop important skills for everyday life.

Using scissors helps children build:

• Hand strength and control

• Hand-eye coordination

• Bilateral coordination

• Pencil grip

• Spatial awareness

• Focus and problem-solving

• Confidence and independence

When should I allow my child to start using scissors?

Around 24 months, your child should start to use scissors for snipping. Allow your child to use scissors with either two small holes or ones that can be used with either the left or right hand. If you are anxious about scissors, get your child to use tongs first. 

What is the correct way to hold a pair of scissors?

Hold the scissors with the thumb in the big hole and the index and middle finger in the small hole. Keep the thumbs pointing up on both the cutting hand and the hand holding the paper.

Why do we need the thumb in the larger hole?

The thumb in the larger hole allows for better control and coordination. If your child starts with the index finger and middle finger in the large hole, they may add the fourth and sometimes fifth finger, which requires more complex coordination.

What scissor skills should my child have at each age?

Every child develops at their own pace, and some may reach these milestones earlier or later:

• By age 3, your child should be able to cut across a 5-6 inch piece of paper

• By age 3.5, your child should be able to cut along a ¼ inch line

• Around age 4, your child should be cutting a circle

• By age 4.5, your child should be able to cut a square

How can my child can practice scissor skills?

Get your child to try these fun activities and develop their scissor skills in the process:

• Snip straws or playdough and then play with the pieces.

• Cut along straight, zigzag, or wavy lines.

• Cut out simple shapes or pictures from old magazines for collages, cards, or decorations.

• Enjoy outdoor time while snipping blades of grass, leaves, or flowers.

Please remember to keep it safe with child-friendly scissors and always supervise scissor use.