gross motor skills
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Promoting gross motor skills of preschool children

Gross motor skills encompass abilities such as running, jumping, climbing, and balancing, which play a crucial role in the physical activity and development during childhood. It's widely recognized how much joy movement brings to children. Activities like running, swimming, swinging, or riding a scooter enhance gross motor skills, coordination and endurance in children. Moreover, these activities boost self-confidence and reduce negative emotions like anger or sadness. They also contribute to reducing the risk of postural damage. Regular physical activity is essential for the development of a healthy body awareness, aiding children in better understanding and respecting their physical capabilities and limits. For instance, through climbing, children learn to assess their strength and realize how high they go without falling. Such activities foster an awareness of personal safety and encourage careful behavior. Leisure activities, such as playing ball games or visiting playgrounds, positively affect physical health, muscle development, and endurance, improve gross motor skills, and provide immense joy. Integrating regular physical activity into daily life is the best way to support the holistic development of children.

Ten minutes of movement time together

Ten minutes of shared movement time each day are valuable for deepening bonds between parents and children while simultaneously improving gross motor skills. Precious moments of togetherness, whether dancing in the living room, skipping in the garden, or playing ball in the park, are enjoyable and support children's physical development. The emotional bond that forms between parents and children in the early years of childhood lays the foundation for lifelong trust and understanding. Discover various suggestions for making exercise time together interesting and varied.
Smiling boy in a striped shirt against a blue background.

Support activities

Gross motor skills form a crucial foundation for the holistic development of children, encompassing movements of large muscle groups important for activities such as climbing, running, jumping, and balancing. Promoting these skills enhances both the physical health and well-being of children. The following activities provide playful opportunities to support children's gross motor development and explore the joy of moving together. It is crucial that the activities are carried out under appropriate supervision and are suited to your child's abilities.
A sad child on the playground.

Disorders of gross motor skills

As children age, their dexterity and balance tend to improve. However, compared to other five-year-old children, some children show noticeable weaknesses in gross motor development. They struggle with activities like climbing, running, balancing, ascending stairs, and other challenging movements, appearing clumsy. As a result, children feel insecure, have less self-confidence and their enjoyment of exercise and sporting activities decreases. Monitor your child's gross motor skill development closely and consult a pediatrician if you have any concerns. Targeted support through occupational therapy or physiotherapy will improve your child's mobility and balance. With a little time and practice, your child will find everyday activities such as swimming, playing soccer or riding a bike much easier. A daily routine that includes regular physical activity enhances your child's physical abilities. Aim to reduce the time your child spends in front of the TV or engaged in computer games to free up more time for physical activity. Instead, encourage outdoor activities such as playing ball, rope games, and tag, which are enjoyable and enhance general motor skills. Playgrounds also offer children excellent opportunities to improve their strength, coordination and agility. Patience and praise are the key to boosting a child's self-confidence and reducing frustration or aggression. Support your child in positively addressing their motor weaknesses and encourage them to remain consistently active.
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