As parents, watching your toddler grow and develop new skills is incredibly rewarding. The development of your child’s gross motor skills is always a cause of celebration. From their first wobbly steps to confidently running across the playground, these milestones mark significant progress in their physical capabilities. Remember, not all children develop at the same rate, so it's normal for some to reach these milestones earlier or later than other
Gross motor skills are crucial for your child’s physical development, involving the use of large muscles for movements like walking, jumping, and running. These skills are important for your child's overall development and independence. You’ll want to pay attention as your child conquers each example of gross motor skills.
What are gross motor skills?
You have probably heard the term ‘gross motor skills’ bantered about. However, you might be wondering what exactly gross motor skills are.
Gross motor skills involve the use of large muscles to perform everyday activities such as walking, running, jumping, and climbing. These skills are a necessity for a child’s overall development, enabling them to navigate their environment, play, and interact with others.
Developing gross motor skills helps children build strength, coordination, balance, and confidence. These abilities also lay the foundation for more complex physical activities and sports as they grow older.
Encouraging and supporting the development of gross motor skills through play and structured activities helps your child grow stronger and prepares them for their future.
4 Examples of Gross Motor Skills
Let’s explore the top 4 gross motor skills that your toddler will start to master.
Walking
Baby’s first steps are exciting. It can be an emotional moment to watch little ones take their first tentative steps.
Without a doubt, learning to walk is one of the most significant milestones in a toddler’s life. It marks the beginning of their independence and ability to explore the world around them. It is also one of the first examples of gross motor skills in children.
You’ll want to offer plenty of encouragement when your toddler starts walking.
Create a Safe Environment
Ensure your home is safe for your toddler to practice walking. Clear obstacles and provide soft surfaces in case they fall.
Offer Support
Hold your toddler’s hands as they take their first steps. Gradually reduce the support as they gain confidence.
Use Toys
Push toys or walkers can be great tools to help your child practice walking while having fun.
Running
Believe it or not, your unsteady toddler will soon be running! Once your toddler masters walking, running is usually not far behind. Running helps build strength, coordination, and endurance.
Ways to help your child master running:
Play Games
Simple games like tag or chase can make running fun and exciting.
Outdoor Activities
Take your child to a park where they have ample space to run around safely.
Set Up Obstacles
Create a mini obstacle course with pillows or soft objects that your toddler can run around, promoting agility and balance.
Jumping
All children love to jump. Just take your toddler outside after a rainstorm and watch them gleefully jump into every puddle. Let’s face it - jumping is FUN.
As a parent, you’ll want to encourage the gross motor skill of jumping. Jumping is a complex skill that requires strength, balance, and coordination.
Jump Together
Join hands with your little one and show your toddler how to jump by doing it with them. Hold their hands and jump together to give them confidence.
Use a Trampoline
A small, toddler-safe trampoline can provide a great way for your child to practice jumping in a controlled environment.
Play Games
Games like “Simon Says” can include jumping, making it a fun part of playtime.
Climbing
As all parents know, climbing can be a scary prospect for watching parents. Your child can quickly fall and hurt themselves when climbing. However, climbing is a natural gross motor skill and needs to be encouraged within certain parameters.
Climbing helps toddlers develop strength and coordination. It also encourages problem-solving and spatial awareness.
Supervised Playgrounds
Take your toddler to playgrounds with safe climbing structures. Always supervise them closely.
Indoor Climbing
Use furniture like couches and cushions to create safe climbing opportunities at home.
Encourage Exploration
Let your child explore and climb (safely) around the house. This can be as simple as climbing up and down stairs with your guidance.
Additional Gross Motor Skills By Age
The Cleveland Clinic provides the following gross motor skills by age. Remember that every child is unique and some may achieve gross motor skills sooner or later than others:
Here are some examples of gross motor skill milestones for infants and children:
0 to 6 Months:
- Rolling over from front to back and vice versa
- Sitting with support and eventually without support
6 to 12 Months:
- Crawling forward on their belly
- Transitioning into different positions, like from sitting to being on all fours
- Walking while holding onto something for support
12 to 18 Months:
- Sitting, crawling, and walking
18 Months to 2 Years:
- Walking smoothly
- Trying out running
- Pulling or carrying a toy while walking
- Walking up and down stairs with support
3 Years:
- Jumping in place with both feet together
- Walking on tiptoe
- Pedaling a tricycle
- Catching a ball with their body (arms, hands, and chest)
4 Years:
- Standing on one foot for up to five seconds
- Kicking a ball forward
- Walking straight on a line
- Running around obstacles
5 Years:
- Walking backward from heel to toe
- Catching a small ball using only their hands
- Skipping forward after learning how
6 Years:
- Walking on a balance beam
- Jumping rope
- Throwing and catching a ball predictably
Creating a Supportive Environment for Gross Motor Skills
Encouraging your toddler’s gross motor skills development involves creating a supportive and stimulating environment. Also, remember that all children develop gross motor skills at different times. If you are worried about whether your child is lagging, be sure to discuss your concerns with your little one’s pediatrician.
Here are some general tips to help your child develop their gross motor skills:
Provide Space
Children need space when they become active. Ensure there is enough safe space in your home for your toddler to move around freely. Clear away clutter and let your child have fun without worrying about them falling or tripping.
Use Encouraging Language
Always use positive and encouraging words. Celebrate their efforts and achievements, no matter how small.
Be Patient
As mentioned, every child develops at their own pace. Be patient and avoid comparing your toddler to others.
Incorporate Play
Make physical activities a part of playtime. This makes developing gross motor skills enjoyable for your toddler.
Fun Activities to Boost Gross Motor Skills
Indulge in fun activities during your daily routine to help boost your toddler’s gross motor skills:
Throw Dance Parties
It’s time to get your groove on. Put on some music and have a dance party in your living room. Dancing is a great way to develop balance and coordination. You’ll be amazed how much your toddler will love to dance to all music genres.
Ball Play
Let your little slugger play ball! Playing with balls can improve your toddler’s coordination and motor skills. Simple games like rolling, throwing, or kicking a ball can be very effective.
Obstacle Courses
Set up indoor or outdoor obstacle courses with pillows, chairs, or other safe objects. This helps improve agility and problem-solving skills.
Nature Walks
Children love to enjoy the great outdoors. Take your toddler on nature walks. Walking on different surfaces like grass, sand, or gravel can help strengthen their muscles and improve balance.
Signs of Progress and When to Seek Help
It’s important to celebrate your toddler’s progress and understand that each child develops at their own pace. However, if you notice any concerns, it’s essential to seek professional advice.
Here are some signs of progress and potential red flags:
Positive Signs of Progress
- Increasing confidence and stability in walking and running.
- Ability to climb onto furniture and playground equipment.
- Jumping with both feet leaving the ground.
- Improved coordination and balance.
When to Seek Help
- If your toddler isn’t walking by 18 months.
- If they seem to have difficulty with balance and coordination beyond typical toddler clumsiness.
- If they show little interest in physical activities.
If you have concerns, talk to your pediatrician. Early intervention can be very beneficial.
Encouraging a Positive Mindset
Building your toddler’s gross motor skills involves more than just physical development; it also encourages a positive mindset. Cheer them on and let them know how proud you are of their achievements. Your enthusiasm and praise make you their greatest ally and biggest cheerleader!
Here’s how you can foster confidence and resilience:
Celebrate Efforts
Focus on the effort rather than the outcome. Praise your child for trying, even if they don’t succeed at first.
Every time your child tries it's a time for celebration. Let me know how proud you are of their efforts.
Model Positivity
Show a positive attitude towards physical activities. Your enthusiasm will be contagious. What is the old saying - smile and the whole world smiles with you?
One thing is for sure, if you smile then your child will smile with you. Toddlers love positivity!
Encourage Exploration
Allow your child to explore and try new things whether indoors or outdoors. This promotes curiosity and a love for physical activity.
Partner with your child on a great exploration together. Head to the local park or mall to see what adventures you can have together.
Build Routine
Incorporate physical activities into your daily routine. Consistency helps build habits and confidence. Most children thrive on routine.
Conclusion
Encouraging your toddler’s gross motor skills development is a rewarding journey filled with fun and discovery. By providing a supportive environment and engaging in playful activities, you can help your child build strength, coordination, and confidence.
Remember to celebrate their progress, be patient, and enjoy the process. Your encouragement and support are crucial in helping your child achieve polished perfection with their gross motor skills.
Let’s make the journey of developing gross motor skills an enjoyable adventure for both you and your toddler!
Celebrate each milestone and cherish the moments of growth and learning. Together, you can create a foundation of physical confidence and a love for movement that will last a lifetime.
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Find out more about why developing motor skills is important.