Am I being impatient? Does your 7.5/8yo open water bottles and twist cap drink bottles?

[Anonymous]

My middle child will be 8 in less than three months but still needs help opening water bottles or any twist bottle. My oldest had this down before this age so I can’t tell if he’s average or if we’re behind in this skill.


Popping cans came later for my other child but I don’t remember how old.

[Anonymous]

Is it a strength or a fine motor skill issue?

[Anonymous]

You should consider seeing an OT. My 5 year old can open her own water bottles.

[Anonymous]

My kids could twist open bottles (not tight) at 3. They were maybe early, but I feel like 8 is definitely late.

How is his handwriting?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids could twist open bottles (not tight) at 3. They were maybe early, but I feel like 8 is definitely late.

How is his handwriting?

Pooping cans is totally different. It requires strength and dexterity, not just basic fine motor. So I’d guess 8 would still be fine for that.

[Anonymous]

Yes 7 year old can screw open water bottles. But does sometimes still ask for help. I think it's on the old side, but not completely out of the norm.

[Anonymous]

My 8 year old DS has trouble with this sometimes, but I think it’s mostly because he’s a lefty. His fine motor skills and strength are excellent.

[Anonymous]

If this is the problem that stressing you out, consider yourself very lucky.

Kids within your family will develop skills at different rates. This is normal. Don't shame your kid who can't do this for him/herself.

[Anonymous]

My 9yo cannot do this yet. She has always had kind of weak fingers.

[Anonymous]

I have very weak musculature in my hands as well as sensory issues and could not unscrew tightly screwed bottles until I was an older teen. My friends would do it for me. My oldest was the same way for a long time but got past it in middle school.

[Anonymous]

My 8 year old son has trouble and just resorts to using his teeth which I have asked him not to do

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My middle child will be 8 in less than three months but still needs help opening water bottles or any twist bottle. My oldest had this down before this age so I can’t tell if he’s average or if we’re behind in this skill.


Popping cans came later for my other child but I don’t remember how old.

Sometime they are on tight and I have trouble. Why are you so impatient? Don't you need help with anything?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My middle child will be 8 in less than three months but still needs help opening water bottles or any twist bottle. My oldest had this down before this age so I can’t tell if he’s average or if we’re behind in this skill.


Popping cans came later for my other child but I don’t remember how old.

Sometime they are on tight and I have trouble. Why are you so impatient? Don't you need help with anything?

She’s not impatient, she’s observant and double checking that there’s nothing out of the ordinary going on, which every mother has done at some time or another.

[Anonymous]

Lots of kids this age cannot, although some can. Some bottles (Kirkland) are easier than others (Gatorade). Don’t spend time worrying about it. All the 11 year olds can do it whether they practiced or not.

[Anonymous]

My 6 year old can do this and pop cans. The 3 year old can do it about 1/2 the time.