Fun Gross Motor Activities

As parents play with their toddler, they can encourage the normal developmental patterns. Infants and toddlers grow in a sequential pattern of development. Parents and caregivers can reinforce the different areas of their child's' growth through parent/child activities that pass as fun and games. Toddlers start to develop muscle tone and balance skills around the age of 12 to 14 months.

Lateral Balance Control

Infants can always use the assistance of caregivers as they grow. Accordance to the experts in The Journal of Motor Behavior, lateral balance control in toddlers, must be developed before the child can start walking. In the article “Organization of Lateral Balance Control in Toddlers During the first Year of Independent Walking,” the authors tested their hypothesis. Their theory was that toddlers start lateral body stabilization first at the hip level. They speculate this helps to develop their center of gravity.
There is some controversy as to whether balance in infants starts here first at the hip level as the center of gravity or from the head/shoulder level first; where the toddlers learn to balance their reactions to the constant movement of their upper body. The authors of this article theorize that toddlers initial body stabilization first at the hip level in order to better control their center of gravity. This also will help upper body movement and lessen falls.
Regardless of where development first starts, activities for kids that encourage balance, will help prevent falls and accidents. The following activities will not only encourage balance in toddlers but they will also encourage bonding between parents, caregivers and youngsters.

Balance Techniques Increase Self Esteem

Balance techniques, increase self esteem and help the child to “right” himself after the body starts to tilt. Children enjoy playing with adults. They like to laugh when the adult caregiver or parent laughs with them. Choose activities to play with the child and help stimulate his gross motor skills.
In any culture, children love to move to music, even without prompting. Use this love of music to help the child balance. With your hands on the hips of the child, move to music that the child likes. Help the child shift weight from side to side.
The instability of a waterbed presents a perfect balance challenge for toddlers. Place the child on a waterbed while holding him steady at the hips. Then, holding his hands, let the child react to the changes under his feet.
Another fun balancing exercise is simply helping the child walk along a wide sidewalk curb or railroad tie. Always hold lightly to the childs' hands so he will not fall. But allow enough leverage that the child can balance himself...that is the challenge. The trick is to allow the the child to feel safe from falling, yet be able to use his own muscles to develop motor coordination.
Tossing a ball between child and caregiver or parent has long been an established fun exercise. Encourage the toddler to throw a ball. This simple activity encourages the child to balance when things change around him. As the ball comes near him, his eye, hand coordination is challenged. This game actually trains the child to balance and upright himself quickly.
As the parent or caregiver encourages balance reactions through these activities, the toddler will practice his balancing development through play. Remember to enjoy the child through all their developmental stages.
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Fun Gross Motor Activities thank.