---
title: Understanding why kids struggle with writing
description: Is your child struggling with messy handwriting, putting ideas into writing, or both? Learn about writing problems in kids, and what can help.
slug: understanding-trouble-with-writing-in-kids
author: Andrew M.I. Lee, JD
reviewer: Charles A. MacArthur, PhD
published: '2019-08-05T15:11:32.410Z'
thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/7G8lbCHGrD6SgoRtE3ZPak/4f4135f48950d697b26bec1d690b12c6/Why_kids_struggle_with_writing_thumbnail.png
source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/understanding-trouble-with-writing-in-kids
lang: en
---

# Understanding why kids struggle with writing

Some kids struggle with writing. They may have messy handwriting or write a sentence full of spelling mistakes. Or they might not even be able to start when asked to write something.

These types of writing difficulties aren’t uncommon. But when are they something to be concerned about? 

There are two main areas of writing where kids may struggle:

1. Handwriting and spelling
2. Expressing ideas in writing

Even bright kids can have trouble in one or both areas. They might struggle for a number of reasons. Kids develop writing skills at different rates, and some take longer than others to learn these skills. And sometimes kids just need extra help to get better at writing.

---

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