Physical Development

Wiggle, jiggle, hop, skip… children have the need to move!

From birth babies explore their world and learn about the things around them by moving. Very young babies move their eyes and bodies toward the voices of their parents. Soon, they learn to scoot toward other things that interest them. When your baby plays with her hands, holds up her head or crawls across the room, she’s learning.

They build large motor skills when they use their big muscles to walk, run, jump, climb and balance. Fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination come later when your child is able to pick up small objects and manipulate them with her fingers.

To support your child’s physical development, make sure that she has plenty of room to move. If you can, have at least one area in your house that has some space for movement. Don’t forget the great outdoors. Fresh air and plenty of room to move makes your back yard or park perfect for play.

It might be hard to draw a line between safe and overprotective as your child becomes more physically active. Try to set realistic safety rules that still allow for learning through movement. You’ll want to let your child experiment with mild risks to build her skill and confidence. Let her age and skill level be your guide.