Gross Motor Skills in Children
When urging your little one to take their very first steps or cheering them on as they ride a bike for the first time, what you're doing under the hood is coaching them in their gross motor skills. So, as a coach, let's get you up to speed on what gross motor is all about.
What Are Gross Motor Skills?
Gross motor skills involve using large muscles to perform everyday functions, such as standing, walking, running, jumping, and even maintaining balance and coordination. These skills get your kids moving and exploring every little space they can fit.
Why Are Gross Motor Skills Important?
When gross motor skills aren't developing as they should, children may face practical challenges affecting their everyday lives and overall well-being. Here are some examples:
Struggles with Independence: Tasks that require essential mobility, like getting dressed or climbing stairs, can become daunting. A child who finds it hard to balance or coordinate their movements might struggle to put on their shoes or socks, leading to frustration and a reliance on others for help.
Difficulty with Play: Playtime often involves running, jumping, and climbing—activities that kids with underdeveloped gross motor skills might find challenging. This can lead to sitting out during playground activities or physical education classes, impacting their social interactions and inviting shame.
Challenges in School: Many school activities, from moving through the classroom to participating in the gym, require a certain level of physical coordination. Children who struggle in these areas might feel physically out of step and experience a hit to their self-esteem as they compare themselves to their peers.
Limited Participation in Sports and Activities: Team sports and dance classes are not just for physical fitness; they're also opportunities for social development and teamwork. Children with underdeveloped gross motor skills might avoid these activities because they find it challenging to keep up, possibly missing out on meaningful experiences.
Increased Risk of Injury: Without the proper development of balance and coordination, children are at a higher risk of falls and injuries. Simple activities like walking on uneven surfaces or participating in a game of tag can lead to more frequent trips and falls.
Understanding these challenges highlights the importance of supporting your child's gross motor development sooner than later.
Is Your Child Developmentally on Track?
Every child develops at their own pace, but there are general milestones to watch for. For instance, most toddlers should be walking by 18 months, and by age 2, many are running and jumping. By age 3, children typically can balance briefly on one foot, and by age 4, they might be hopping and skipping with more coordination.
If you're concerned about whether your child's gross motor development is on track, keep an eye on how they compare to these general milestones. Remember, there's a wide range of what's considered "normal." However, consistent difficulties in achieving these milestones might warrant conversing with your pediatrician.
Boosting Gross Motor Skills Through Play and Activities
The great news is that enhancing your child's gross motor skills can be fun and straightforward. Here are a few ideas:
Outdoor Play: Encourage activities like running, jumping, climbing on playground equipment, or playing ball games. If your child is already uncomfortable with these activities around other children, first give them solo time with you in a private setting.
Dance Parties: Turn up the music and have a dance-off. Dancing helps with rhythm, balance, and coordination. Make your living room the next disco club for kids.
Obstacle Courses: Create a simple obstacle course using pillows, boxes, and furniture in your living room or backyard. It's a fun way to practice balancing, jumping, and crawling. Just make sure it's safe and avoid any bumping into sharp corners.
Riding Toys: Bicycles, tricycles, and scooters are fantastic for developing strength, balance, and coordination, but you already knew this, didn't you?
Yoga for Kids: Yoga can help with flexibility, balance, and relaxation, with the added benefit of mindfulness. This activity is fantastic for getting children started in exercise, as it easily scales to more advanced poses and movements.
When to Seek Help
If you notice your child consistently struggling with gross motor activities or if they're significantly behind on milestones compared to their peers, it might be time to seek advice. Talk to your pediatrician or consider consulting a pediatric occupational therapist. These professionals can assess your child's skills and offer tailored strategies and support to help them catch up.
Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone, a career pediatric occupational therapist in Huntersville, North Carolina, authored this post.
