Is Large Muscle Development for Toddlers Necessary?

Motor skills are divided into two broad categories: fine motor skills, which involve the use of small muscles to write, color and pick up objects with the hands; and gross motor skills, which involve the use of large muscles for walking, climbing, jumping and running. The development of both fine and gross motor skills is important for toddlers to prepare them for becoming independent.

  1. Muscle Development

    • By the time your child becomes a toddler, he has already developed many of his large muscles, such as the neck muscles for learning to hold up his head, abdominal muscles for rolling over, and leg and arm muscles for crawling and pulling himself to a standing position.

      Muscle development occurs gradually beginning shortly after birth and progresses throughout childhood. Much of the large motor development needed to become independent occurs during toddlerhood as a result of play.

    Leg and Body Muscles

    • As your toddler masters the skills necessary to walk, she begins to exercise the large muscles in her legs and body. Initially, her gait may be awkward with her legs spread apart to maintain balance. As the muscles develop and she learns to control them, her gait becomes fluid and automatic, no longer requiring intense concentration on her part.

      As she gains control, she begins to run and eventually to jump, but to do this, she needs plenty of opportunities to practice and exercise her muscles. Without well-developed muscles, she cannot progress to more complicated tasks that require coordination and strength.

    Arm Muscles

    • Pushing and pulling require well-developed arm muscles. Your toddler also discovers the joy of throwing and catching, but will be more adept at throwing for now. Catching requires more coordination, which includes eye-hand coordination. Your toddler will need well-developed arm muscles for opening doors, moving objects and participating in everyday activities, including play, as she grows older.

    Developing Muscles Through Play

    • Toddlers develop their large muscles through play. Providing him with push and pull toys, such as wagons or carts, provides your toddler with hours of fun while developing large muscles in the arms, legs and body. A large ball for kicking or tossing, riding toys, and plenty of room to run and play all help your toddler develop his large muscles. You can encourage your child's muscle development by joining in the fun and challenging him to jump, climb or run with you.

      These all prepare your toddler to later participate in sports and other leisure activities and help him develop a strong body.

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