As human beings, we go through development stages that includes significant changes in our motor abilities. One of such stages is gross motor development, which allows us to coordinate and control larger muscles in our body for simple and complex movements.
In this article, we will explore what gross motor development is all about and how parents can help their children by ensuring they develop these skills at the appropriate ages. From crawling to running, jumping to hopscotch, your child's physical wellbeing comes from mastering each stage of Gross Motor Development!
Crawling
Crawling marks a milestone as it signals the start of mobility for babies. It engages their arms and legs in pushing themselves forward while working on their core stability at the same time.
- How does Crawling Help Your Child?
- Improves balance
- Strengthens neck and shoulder muscles
- Builds upper arm strength
- Advances hand-eye coordination
- Develops confidence with movement
Although his new freedom might be tricky and come with bumps & bruises (for both baby & parent), crawling spells out big things like ‘time to prevent access’ or 'get mom's mobile phone before he swallows it.'
Sitting up
Sitting unsupported means your toddler has built enough back muscle energy as well as strong hips that support his/her torso being upright.. As amazing as sitting up independently is seeing them surge into sitting without any notice (especially from standing) whilst checking they hit no one on landing!
- How does Sitting-up Help Your Child?
- Enhances socialization skills
- Strengthens hip muscles
- Develops spine stabilization
= Maximizes recognition of depth perception + space orientation
A word of wisdom? Don’t leave curly haired babies alone too long when they master sitting-up (they may try sneaking bites off table foods!)
Rolling Over
Once your baby can perform tummy-time (1-2 months old), they will quickly realize that turning over can lead them to an entirely different world! This time their core and back muscles are gaining more strength while assisting them in rolling.
- How does Rolling Over Help Your Child?
- Enhances alignment of the spine
- Develops neck, abdomen, and hip flexors stamina
- Improves spatial awareness
- Encourages flexible movement
You're now granted extra minutes for multitasking or merely watch him explore his toes from another angle; however... changes blankets just got trickier thanks to this new accomplishment.
Standing (With Support)
Standing up with support occurs as your infant learns to pull themselves up by holding onto objects such as chairs or tables.
- How does standing help your child?
- Teaches your child how balance works
- Strengthens legs muscles
- Builds grip support
Take note same way you turn on vacation mode when it's finally friday that babies never have a weekend off, so be prepared for little visitors who want to stand all the way!
## Walking
Of course what most parents look out for next is walking; nothing cute like seeing those wobbly steps going forward!. Thanks to development stages such as crawling and standing, which helped build his leg muscles even stronger..
- How does Walking help Your Child?
- Boosts sense of independence
- Improves cognitive comprehension of studies around obstacles
= Increases hand-eye-leg coordination
For instance when it's lunchtime in toddlers school (or daycare) he gets excited knowing its one step closer towards outdoor recess where he can really test out those whole moves!
Running
Walking leads into running quite fast right? With enough practice at growth age soon after start learning exploration skills connected with using open spaces.. Also remember children tend to run directly away from us if we said 'no' to something
- How does Running Help Your Child?
- Increases stamina
- Facilitates strong bone growth
- Develops joint rotation abilities
Your child is sure to enjoy sprinting from one end of the yard &, getting lost in this adventurous activity. However, sustained safety tips must be used when running indoors or outdoors for better coordination!
Jumping
Jumping usually occurs later when your child has gained enough balance and also because they now have increased core strength.. Most kids tend to pick up the jump technique pretty fast while others need additional practice depending on mental disposition..
- How does Jumping Help Your Child? = Enhances their gross motor development
- Increases muscle force
- Reduces weight boost risks & medical issues
The next time you go for a family vacation at the beach, remember teaching your toddler those jumping skills... watch him have so much fun trying to measure how high he can really soar into the sky! (But keep an eye out though)
Skipping
Skipping comes around after mastering hopping and leaping activities; talk about taking it up a notch huh? A good tip is skipping could be combined with good music beats whilst keeping each leg starting off stronger than other legs.
- How does Skipping Help Your Child?
- Refines posture improvement
= Boosts string of muscle control
- Advances spatial awareness
When saying bye outside his school gates presumptuously prepare see little students full-on skipping over sidewalks towards home as these skilled kiddos are confidently expressing themselves physically amongst different crowds!
## Hopping
As early as age two years plus kiddos like rhythmic movements – especiaHy once they've mastered being stable on both feet; would you be surprised knowing some parents still hop alongside them? ???? Way to cheer them on we say!
How Does Hopping help your child?
- Improved Balance & Coordination
- Increased Stamina Levels = Stable Lower Body Strength
During a trip to the park, you might even see kids hopping from one tree trunk to another trying new activities and enhancing these skills in this natural environment.
Climbing
The art of climbing is almost too tempting for children as they start gaining more confidence with their movements. Be sure to note however that climbing should always be done under adult supervision & within safe playground areas only!
- How Does Climbing Help Your Child?
- Improves Upper body muscle power
- Promotes bone density = Develops Logical thinking
A good tip would be slowly introducing appropriate climbling like swining on ropes or monkey bars, surprisingly most young climbers are likely already thinking about it before being introduced anyway!
Sports
Picking up any sports activity can help your child develop his/ her motor abilities while fostering teamwork spirit; hockey, soccer (football), basketball – plenty of options at different watching levels..
The connection between playing sports together helps build socialization and confidence.. So don't forget there's always extra encouragement when family members get involved (and yes adults could still use some practice)
- How Do Sports Help Your Child?
- Fosters independence
= Enhances physical conditioning - Encourages personal growth
We definitely got your attention so far? Great there are other developments stages such as bike riding and swimming but remember what we said earlier talking on gross motor development set s base line skillset throughout ones lifetime.
Therefore having information on how best to support them using age-appropriate games lets you maximize childhood memories whilst successfully preparing an Active-filled life ahead!