What Factors Influence Physical & Motor Development in the Early School Years?

Genetics

• Your child's size and stature is primarily the result of her genes. By the time she enters kindergarten, much of the cartilage that was soft during infancy and toddlerhood has hardened into bone. While she continues to grow, the rate of growth is much slower -- in other words, if she's tall or short for her age, she'll probably stay that way. People from different regions of the world tend to grow to similar sizes and statures as a result of their ancestral geography; their bodies have evolved to best suit their environments. In most cases, you don't have to worry if your child is bigger, smaller, faster or slower than her peers. For her, she's probably just where her genes say she should be.

Nutrition

• "You are what you eat," the old saying goes -- and it's especially true for children. According to the World Bank, ages 0 to 8 are critical years for good nutrition: "Whether or not children are well-nourished during their first years of life can have a profound effect on their health status, as well as their ability to learn, communicate, think analytically, socialize effectively and adapt to new environments and people." While malnutrition isn't as big of a concern in developed countries, parents and caregivers still need to be aware of what is going into children's bodies daily. On the other end of the spectrum, the childhood obesity epidemic in the U.S. is detrimental to kids' immediate and long-term health. Your child needs a good balance of nutrient-dense foods like fruits and vegetables to thrive physically.

Physical Play

• Playing tag on the playground isn't just a way for kids to burn off energy, although most caregivers are glad for that opportunity. Play is one of the most integral pieces of healthy childhood development and helps build muscle strength and coordination. Kids who play less are more likely to be sedentary and have health problems as adults. In the early school years, kids benefit from having a spacious and stimulating play environment like a quality playground structure. They also benefit from adult-guided activities like sports and games where they can focus on developing more complex physical abilities.

Physical Therapy

• If your child is developmentally delayed, physical therapy can probably help her. It is useful for developing age-appropriate motor skills like throwing, climbing, hopping and riding a bike. It can also address more basic physical issues like breathing control, posture and musculoskeletal misalignment. Therapy programs are tailored to each child's needs. If needed, you will have access to physical therapy through the public school system, as it is mandated by federal law.