Encouraging toddler’s physical development along with proper nutrition helps in reaching the physical milestones in time. Here are tips for encouraging toddler’s physical development.Children grow fast in their first year after birth. Many parents become worried when they compare the rate of growth of their children with that of the other one of the same age group. As a parent you must learn about the physical milestones and how you can help your child have the best when it comes to physical development.
Physical development is much more than the development seen in your child with respect to height and weight. One of the facts which every parent should be aware of is that children grow at different rates. They should not compare their children with other kids of same age group. For example a five year old child can look like four year old and another can look much older.
As soon as your child shows growth or takes her first step, you will find that your toddler has picked up speed. It will not be just the growth rate on
height and
weight chart, but also development in running, jumping and holding small things like pencil.
Growth Milestones
Let us take a look at the common growth
milestones in toddlers and preschoolers.
Gross Motor Skills
Gross motor skills involve coordination and control of large muscles and include activities like walking, running and sitting.
Fine Motor Skills
This involves synchronization and control of small muscles like holding a pencil, picking up crumbs and holding a rattle.
Hearing
Hearing is not just the ability to hear, but also to understand and react to sounds.
Vision
This is the ability to see objects near and far and also to interpret what the child sees.
Emotional and Social Behaviour
This is the ability of the child to learn and interrelate with others. This also includes way of communication with playmates and elders.
What is Physical Development?
Parents keep a close eye on the physical development of their children especially in the first five years. Physical development offers children the ability that helps them explore the world around them and interact with others. Gross motor development is the first to be observed.
How to Encourage Your Toddler’s Physical Development?
Here is how you can encourage your toddler’s physical development.
1. Practice
Practice makes any person perfect. So, help your toddler try out things and give her enough time to practice skills. Just keep in mind that bumps, bruises and a little bit of crying is all part of the development process. So, do not blame yourself if your child tumbles. Just make sure that she does not do anything dangerous or goes too far away.
2. Walking on Different Surfaces
Let your
toddler walk on different types of surfaces and have firsthand experience. Let her try and balance herself by placing her feet properly.
3. Park Visits
Take your child to a park regularly and let her try things that are adventurous and at the same time suitable for her age also.
4. Childproofing
Encourage moving which will help develop posture and build muscles strength. As soon as your toddler starts standing, walking and running, make sure you make your home safe for her. Let her explore the world around her on her own because this will help develop self confidence in her.
5. Limiting Screen Time
Discourage viewing TV for long time specially during preschool time. Try to involve your child in physical activities as much as possible. Provide play environment which includes lot of time and space for your child.
6. Avoid Restrictions
Do not restrict your child or hold her back from activities that include running or making some sort of noise just because you are not in a mood to handle them.
Repeated revelation is very important in early years of life. However, in addition to physical activities, parents must pay attention to proper nutrition and overall development of the child.
How is physical development in toddlers measured? What does delay in physical development signify? How can parents encourage physical development in toddlers? Discuss here.