04 November 2021

Signs Of Healthy Physical Development In Children

The children tend to grow at a much-accelerated pace from birth to the age of 2 years. After the age of two, the toddlers tend to have slower growth rates as compared to earlier. This is when the question arises in the parent’s mind, is the child growing normally. It should be always remembered that the Child will have a normal steady growth from a toddler to adolescence.

Physical Development is the slow and steady preparation of the child to get used to the Structural build like the adults. This is an important aspect and needs to be looked upon with the same care.

The early years have a significant impact on a child's health and development. Children of all abilities, including those with special healthcare, can thrive in a setting that satisfies their social, emotional, and educational needs. It is vital to have a safe and caring environment, as well as to spend time with family singing, reading, and speaking. Nutrition, exercise, and sleep can all have a significant impact on your health.

There are many distinct types of parenting. When it comes to giving the care that children require to be happy and healthy, as well as to grow and develop properly, some good parenting methods work well across families and in any circumstance

  • Responding to children in a predictable way
  • Showing warmth and sensitivity
  • Having routines and household rules
  • Sharing books and talking with children
  • Supporting health and safety
  • Using appropriate discipline without harshness

Stages of Physical Development

  1. Children's physical development follows a predictable pattern : By the age of nine months, babies can crawl, sit, and hold their heads up.
    Between the age of two and four, they begin to learn how to walk, run, jump, climb stairs with assistance, assemble blocks, and hold crayons.
    They can climb stairs, write, and even dress by the time they are four or six years old.
  2. Developmental Milestones : Because children develop at their own rate, it is hard to predict when they will learn a certain skill. The developmental milestones, on the other hand, provide a basic picture of the changes to expect as a child grows older.
    Developmental milestones include things like taking your first steps, smiling for the first time, and waving "goodbye." In the ways they play, learn, communicate, behave, and move, children accomplish milestones (for example, crawling and walking).
    Parents, grandparents, early childhood providers, and other caregivers can take part in developmental monitoring, which involves observing how your child grows and changes over time, as well as whether your child meets the typical developmental milestones in play, learning, speaking, behaving, and moving.
  3. What are Motor skills : The ability of a youngster to accomplish things daily relates to motor abilities. From running to building blocks, it may be anything. There are four types of motor skills:
  4. Gross Motor Skills These are the skills required to do general actions such as running, walking, jumping, or even balancing their bodies while participating in these activities.
    Your child should be able to do some of the following activities if he or she has strong gross motor skills:
    • Walk with a steady balance
    • Run hassle-free in a single direction or around obstacles
    • Throw a ball or catch one
    • Hop on each foot several times
    • Jump over objects or low-lying hurdles
    • Kick a ball that is stationary
    • Pedal a tricycle
  5. Fine Motor Skills : These tiny motions, often known as minor motor abilities, are required to complete tasks that are slightly challenging. These are also linked to a child's cognitive development.
    A child's fine motor skills enable him or her to:
    • Use cutlery
    • Brush teeth or comb hair
    • Pick up small items likes coins
    • Work on simple puzzles
    • Draw simple shapes like circles or rectangles.
    • Stack up blocks

Ways to Help Toddlers and Pre-schoolers Develop Physically

Boost your child's dexterity and overall development, you might include some physical development activities for preschoolers:

  • Allow your youngster to run, jump, and exercise his muscles while walking with him.
  • Make a basic obstacle course for your youngster to jump over or encourage him to run around in the house or garden.
  • Using a ball, play catch. You can also play games that require your child to kick and throw the ball, which will strengthen his muscles and improve his motor skills.
  • Take your child on a walk in the garden. Allow him to touch the grass, leaves, and flowers by stopping every now and again. Solicit pebbles and twigs from him. These activities will assist your youngster in developing his or her gross and fine motor skills.
  • Throw a dancing party at your house. Put some music on and dance with your child, particularly to nursery songs that encourage fine motor abilities, such as "incy wincy spider."
  • Play imaginary activities, such as balancing on a tightrope laid out on the ground.
  • Use art to express yourself. Allow your child to draw in and around the house as much as possible.
  • Get some child-safe scissors and show your youngster how to do different crafts.
  • Hold a block-building competition.
  • With your infant, play a simpler version of 'Simon Says.' If you are Simon, your youngster must do all you ask of him - take use of this opportunity to make him get things, pick up objects, and even imitate various creatures such as ducks, cows, dogs, and monkeys.
    Get your child a tricycle, a basketball hoop (child-sized), or hula hoops.
  • Fill a tiny inflatable pool with water. Encourage your child to splash or paddle while keeping an eye on him or her.
  • Get your child to jump about on a trampoline or a bouncy castle. Ensure that he is supervised by an adult during this activity.
  • Encourage your child to participate in basic, enjoyable tasks such as dog grooming or car cleaning.
  • Assist your child's overall growth by ensuring that he or she gets adequate sleep.
  • Take the youngster to the doctor on a regular basis so that any developmental problems can be addressed early.

Children's physical development should be accompanied by good nutrition and a well-balanced diet, as this ensures normal muscle and bone growth and development.