Nail clippers for a clumsy pre-teen

Submitted by an LD OnLine user on

Anyone have a brand to recommend ? My son is turning 11 this week (!) and its time he started taking care of some of his personal hygiene, but he has trouble managing the nail clippers. (you know, fine motor / motor planning problems)

Are there any products out there that are easier to manipulate?

Thanks !!

Submitted by marycas1 on Mon, 04/04/2005 - 5:41 PM

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Perhaps he could file instead?????

I purchased some new ones for myself-the ends curve up and away from the main body and they looked so ‘modern’ and Im gullible. I hate the darn things-the way I cut MY nails I end up holding the edge of the curve to press and it hurts my finger pads!!!! Only thing I can figure is they are meant to be used as if you were cutting someone else nails???

Maybe I just cut mine weird and these are easier for other people-I got them at Target and they were a name brand-Revlon

Submitted by Kay on Mon, 04/18/2005 - 11:39 PM

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Try using the large toenail clippers. The bigger clippers, which provide better leverage, were much easier for my kids to start off with.

Kay

Submitted by Laura in CA on Tue, 04/19/2005 - 8:40 PM

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Hi Karen,

What about a small nail scissors? The only difficulty I could foresee is that until one gets used to them, they could overcut their nails.

My son can’t handle nail clippers either. My husband and I both clip his nails. But I do like the idea of trying a larger sized clippers or seeing if he can handle a small nail scissors on his own. I seem to recall my daughter being able to do these things when she was his age (of course she was experimenting with nail polish a little bit at that point!).

Submitted by KarenN on Wed, 04/20/2005 - 1:06 AM

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I was thinking about lookinng for geriatric products, or for other populations with limited dexterity. Will post if I find anything. The scissors scare me(!), but everytime I trip his toe nails on his big feet (which are way bigger than mine at this point) I think that its time for him to do this himself!

Submitted by Laura in CA on Wed, 04/20/2005 - 4:34 AM

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Good idea!!! There’s a medical supply store I sometimes pass by (near a wellness center). If I get a chance, I’ll try and see if they can recommend something. How funny that your son’s feet are larger than yours!!!! My kids have a ways to go before they catch up with me!

Submitted by jerirat on Wed, 04/20/2005 - 12:27 PM

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Here’s a magnifying glass that attaches to nail clippers:

[url]http://www.productsforseniors.com/magnifying_glass_adapter.htm[/url]

or this one meant for arthritic hands:

[url]http://www.lifesolutionsplus.com/tabletop-fingernail-clipper-p-167.html[/url]

I cut my DS’s nails, too and he’s 11 but I may try on of these products.

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