About this topic
Motor skills are the way we use our bodies to move about and do tasks. There are two kinds of motor skills, gross motor and fine motor. You use large muscles in gross motor activities. You may use your arms, legs, or even your whole body. Walking, running, and jumping are examples of gross motor skills. Fine motor skills need smaller movements and use small muscles. You may use your hands, fingers, wrists, or toes. Holding a pen, playing a piano, or grabbing an object are examples of fine motor skills. Most often, you use both fine and gross motor skills at the same time to do a task. � �
General
There are different things that may change how your child develops motor skills. These may include: � �
- Genetic traits � � � The genes that are passed from a parent to a child control many things. They may control whether a child has long or short arms. They may also control if a child has strong or weak muscles.
- Muscle strength � � � This is the force of the muscle used to carry out an activity.
- Environment � � � A childs surroundings affect how skills develop. Chemicals or toxins around the child may cause problems. The child's foods and nutrition can play a part. It may also include the amount of parenting and attention the child receives.
- Medical problems � � � Any medical problem that decreases movement can slow down skills. For example, cerebral palsy and other muscle disorders cause gross motor delay.
You can help your child develop good gross motor skills at each stage. Here are some things to try. � �
- Infant:
- Lay your baby on the back on the floor. Hold a toy in front of your baby. This will prompt your baby to raise hands and feet to reach the toy.
- Hold your baby under the arms so your baby is in a standing position. Let your baby's feet touch the floor. This will prompt your baby to bounce.
- Place your baby on its tummy on a padded floor, blanket, or carpet. This is called "tummy time. " � Your baby will develop the neck muscles when trying to lift the head.
- In a pool, hold your baby securely under the arms. Put your baby's feet in the water. Your baby will wiggle the legs.
- Toddler:
- Allow your child to walk or crawl around the room.
- Give your child a toy that pulls apart. This will help develop your child's hand and arm coordination.
- Roll or gently throw a soft ball with your child. Let your child practice throwing.
- Allow your child to push himself around by the feet on a riding toy.
- Preschooler:
- Allow your child to hop, gallop, and run around the room.
- Let your child jump on a trampoline or other soft surface.
- Teach your child to throw and catch a ball.
- Let your child play at a playground with other children.
- Prepare a sandbox in your backyard with plastic pails and shovel for your child to play with.
- Allow your child to ride a tricycle or bicycle. Make sure your child wears a helmet.
Here are ways of promoting fine motor development: � �
- Infant:
- Give your baby a toy to hold, like small ball or block. Avoid giving your baby things that are not safe to put in the mouth because they are too small.
- Touch your baby's hand with a finger. This will prompt your baby to grasp your finger and hold on to it. You may feel the strength of your baby's grasp.
- Toddler:
- Allow your child to put toothpaste on the toothbrush and brush teeth.
- Help your child learn to brush and comb the hair.
- Give your child a spoon and fork to use at mealtime. Let your child feed himself.
- Give your child chalk, crayons, or markers to draw on a paper.
- Preschooler:
- Teach your child how to fasten the buttons of a shirt and tie shoelaces.
- Let your child play with play dough and puzzle toys.
- Use papers as placemats during meals. Give your child some crayons and encourage your child to draw or write before or after eating.
If you have any concerns about your child's development, talk to your child's doctor. Check with your local government or school district about formal developmental tests for children. � �
What will the results be?
Good motor skills will reflect in your childs behavior. This includes: � �
- Good self-esteem
- Active in school activities
- Positive attitude towards a task
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth � �
http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/movement/move13m.html � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
Copyright
Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �