Gross Motor Development for Toddlers

“If we want our children to move mountains, we first have to let them get out of their chairs.” ~ Nicolette Sowder

Developing gross motor skills and MOVING is so important that the World Health Organization set global guidelines for physical activity. They recommend that children 1 and older should be moving for 3 hours a day!
Gross motor skills become automatic as we age, but for our toddlers, they are working hard to coordinate their muscles AND their neurological system.
Researchers refer to gross motor skills as “the building blocks of movement.” Brain research tells us that cognitive processes can be improved by actions the body engages in.
Right now, your child is work on walking, running, climbing, balancing, kicking, throwing, jumping, and riding
There are a few things that might get in the way of your child’s gross motor development. These include: too much time in a stroller/being carried, over usage of confining baby equipment, too much screen time, mismatch between expectations and abilities.

Playground Visits: Swings, slides, and climbing equipment provide the best opportunities for practicing climbing, balancing, and coordination. While it’s tempting to follow your toddler to avoid any bumps and bruises, let them explore without you right on top of them.
Obstacle Courses: One of the most fun and simple ways to play. Do this indoors or outdoors and use whatever you have around. Pillows, chairs, and toys make for a fun indoor obstacle course. Outdoors, slides, balls, tunnels, and cones. Encourage your child to crawl, climb, and jump.
Ball Games: As your toddler gets older and develops their coordination, playing with a ball gets more fun. Now is the time to start practicing! Play catch (use a big ball), roll a ball back and forth, and kick the ball - all gross motor skills.
Getting Outdoors: Playing in a sandbox, drawing with chalk, going on nature walks, and chasing each other (or the dog!) all support gross motor skills. A child-sized rake, or pretend lawn mower while you work in the yard is good too!
Water Play: A shallow pool, a splash pad, a sprinkler. Even catching and gently throwing water balloons.
Chasing Bubbles: Indoors (if you’re ok with it), or outdoors. Blow bubbles and encourage your toddler to chase AND pop the bubbles. There is awesome hand-eye coordination built into this activity.