Your Toddler and Preschooler's Physical Development

As your child's body grows, so does your child’s willingness and interest in what it can do. Some children seem to have the gift of confidence and agility, while others take a little more encouragement. Either way is fine!

For some years now, there has been immense pressure on parents to breed the next Einstein, hence many of the so-called IQ toys available on the market. But be careful! Your child is more than capable of learning intellectually but don’t let the physical skills and independence fall by the wayside.

At this age, motor skills are, in fact more important than learning to read, write and becoming an encyclopaedia. It’s true!

Take a look at what is happening biologically:

• They are learning how to walk, to skip, run, throw a ball, ride a bike, to balance, to tumble and so on.
• Your toddler’s body is growing and changing and developing at a very fast rate and so their focus is on their body.

 

Understanding one’s body – and this includes the senses – is a key factor in later success in life. The ability to ride a bike for example, impacts directly on a child’s ability to spell well – as does any activity that ‘crosses the midline’, meaning where right crosses over to the left side or vice versa.

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