Q: I was talking to our school district's gifted/talented coordinator about my 10-year-old son, and she said she'd heard you mention the very problem I was describing: a very bright boy who has difficulty with the physical act of writing so hates to write, is bad at writing, and is now getting bad grades because he refuses, passively, to do writing assignments. She said you called it "pencil anxiety" and that it was more apt to affect boys than girls. Well, from the name alone, it sounds like what my son has or will have if we don't do something soon. Where can I find out more about pencil anxiety and what we can do to help my son?

A: Pencil anxiety is not an official name for a disorder but is a problem I discovered in my clinical work among many capable boys who begin avoiding writing assignments as early as first grade. The physical act of writing simply slows them down and causes them to lose confidence in their abilities. Occasionally I see the problem in girls as well. The best prevention takes place in the early years by encouraging preschool boys to cut, color, and do crafts. Dot-to-dot books, mazes, and coloring books help children develop small muscle coordination, but girls tend to be more interested in those activities than boys.

Since your son is 10, and it's too late for prevention, I suggest you encourage his use of the computer for any writing assignments. Also, using a tape recorder will help him get his thoughts out without the restriction of putting his ideas on paper. My book, Why Bright Kids Get Poor Grades, has several exercises and suggestions for helping your son develop his writing. Finally, an occupational therapist may be able to help your son strengthen his writing muscles to improve his writing.

For further information on pencil anxiety, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to P.O. Box 45489, Cleveland, OH 44145.

Dr. Sylvia Rimm, Phd

Copyright © 2000, Creators Syndicate, Inc.