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Mastering Their Movements

© Gina Dronenburg

It seems that once our children take that very first step towards independence, they think in their own minds that they are ready to tackle the world. The reality to this is that "yes", they may "think" they can do it, but they need you to help them explore and master their bodies and it's movements.

Try to imagine if you would, thinking about wanting to take a step up two stairs at a time, but your body only lets you take one, or wanting to run as fast as you can to reach something across the room, but your legs only take 3 fast steps in that direction before you lose balance and fall flat on your chest, only to hope that you can get your hands in front of you on time to save your mouth from hitting the floor. This is what most every day and each movement during that day is like for a Toddler. Their gross or large motor muscles are still understanding the orders sent from the brain that make them move smoothly and confidently. They want to move their legs, arms, head, and torso, but the times are few and far between that these movements are performed without effort or "just because" this specific movement is what they want to perform. They expect their bodies to do one thing, and it does another. (Talk About Frustrating!) Because this lack of results or the relationship between the results and the muscle effort will improve with lots of practice, YOU are needed to help them explore as many different movements as they can possibly be exposed to.

Following, I have included some things you might want to try to help them along! They are alot of fun too!

For children from ages 2 to 3, you might want to play "horsey". The kids like to be on Mom or Dad's back and like to be up high where they can see it all! Because they are on your body, they feel close and secure as well. Get down on your hands and knees then, and let your child climb onto your back. Make sure they are holding tight and start your journey across and around the room. Ask them where they might want to go and take them there! They may want to go to the kitchen or bathroom. Let them have the joy of "you" being "submissive" to them! Another time, pretend that you are walking in front of cages at the zoo! Talk about the tiger or lion, the elephants, the monkeys or apes, and the Panda bears that you just passed. Talk about the noises you heard, the colors you saw, and the kinds of food they were eating. (Doing this will exercise your child's sense of balance and their imgination! Giddy Up Horsey!!!)