Strategies to Support Children's Physical Development
Strategies to Support Children's Physical Development
By Sarah Peterson, eHow Contributor
I want to do this! What's This?
[pic]Children develop at different rates. While some are naturally late bloomers and some are ahead of the curve, there are things parents and caregivers can do to encourage and support a child's physical development. Developmental Milestones
1. Be aware of the developmental milestones your child has achieved and which ones you should be looking for in the near future. Every age has its own set of milestones, and knowing what they are will help you know what to expect from your child. Avoid pushing your child to do more than he reasonably can developmentally. Some kids are naturally more advanced than others, but you cannot force this to happen. Pushing beyond reason will only frustrate you and your child. Gross Motor Skills
2. Gross-motor skills help children move their whole body from place to place. Encourage your child to move from one place to another by herself from an early age. For babies, putting toys out of reach but within view will encourage rolling and eventually crawling. Toddlers should be encouraged to walk as often as possible as they practice this valuable life skill. Older kids can walk distances, run around a playground or sports field, and climb things. Encourage your child to play outdoors each day, as they are much more likely to run and jump outside than they are in the house. Balance and Coordination
3. Balance and coordination are important to development, but kids achieve proficiency in this area at very different rates. Babies who push up on hands and knees only to rock rather than crawl are practicing these skills. Older kids hone these skills by participating in activities such a gymnastics, horseback riding and martial arts. Activities as simple as playing catch, jumping rope and playing hopscotch also help build balance and coordination. Fine Motor Skills
4. Fine-motor skills require
By Sarah Peterson, eHow Contributor
I want to do this! What's This?
[pic]Children develop at different rates. While some are naturally late bloomers and some are ahead of the curve, there are things parents and caregivers can do to encourage and support a child's physical development. Developmental Milestones
1. Be aware of the developmental milestones your child has achieved and which ones you should be looking for in the near future. Every age has its own set of milestones, and knowing what they are will help you know what to expect from your child. Avoid pushing your child to do more than he reasonably can developmentally. Some kids are naturally more advanced than others, but you cannot force this to happen. Pushing beyond reason will only frustrate you and your child. Gross Motor Skills
2. Gross-motor skills help children move their whole body from place to place. Encourage your child to move from one place to another by herself from an early age. For babies, putting toys out of reach but within view will encourage rolling and eventually crawling. Toddlers should be encouraged to walk as often as possible as they practice this valuable life skill. Older kids can walk distances, run around a playground or sports field, and climb things. Encourage your child to play outdoors each day, as they are much more likely to run and jump outside than they are in the house. Balance and Coordination
3. Balance and coordination are important to development, but kids achieve proficiency in this area at very different rates. Babies who push up on hands and knees only to rock rather than crawl are practicing these skills. Older kids hone these skills by participating in activities such a gymnastics, horseback riding and martial arts. Activities as simple as playing catch, jumping rope and playing hopscotch also help build balance and coordination. Fine Motor Skills
4. Fine-motor skills require