The years between 1 and 7 are the most critical for a child’s development of basic motor skills. The child will learn to run, jump, climb and balance, as well as practise cycling, skating, swimming and many other skills.
There are many differences in the way children accumulate motor skills, both in terms of time and strengths, but it is important that you support their development when your child shows readiness. The accumulation of motor skills and physical activity will affect the child’s psychological wellbeing, social skills and learning ability.
Motor skills also include what are known as fine motor skills, i.e. control of small, precise movements. Children practise these by means such as drawing, making arts and crafts or buttoning clothes.
If you are concerned about your child’s motor skill development, bring it up at the child health clinic.
Tips for supporting motor skills
- Take your child to playgrounds where you can use jungle gyms, swings and slides. If your child is timid, encourage them to try things out, e.g. by holding on to them gently.
- Move about in different environments: go for a walk in the woods and on the beach, climb hills and cliffs.
- Encourage the child to walk or ride a balance bike or scooter instead of using a pram.
- Avoid giving too many warnings to the child when they are practising mobility. Allow the child to try things uninterrupted, within certain limits. Minor falls are not dangerous.
- Play together with the child and initiate a variety of types of play.
- Practise working with pencils and scissors: does the child get excited about things like activity books, painting or finger paints?
- Building things develops many skills: Legos, puzzles and blocks are all good tools.
