Physical Development in Childhood

Children physically develop in a predictable pattern. Each skill learned leads to the next. Children develop at their own paces and may vary widely from peers in size and when milestones are reached. Consult a medical professional for specific guidelines or with concerns.

Infancy

• Infants develop gross motor skills (large muscle groups) first. Provide practice for rolling over by placing the infant on his stomach on a regular basis. Help him learn to sit up by holding him in a sitting position daily. Provide a safe place clear of clutter or furniture that can be pulled over when he begins to crawl. Place interesting toys on top of couches and coffee tables to encourage him to pull up on available furniture. Encourage him to move toward a caregiver on his own to practice walking independently. Fine motor skills begin to emerge around age 2.

Toddler

• Once walking is mastered, fine motor skills begin to become more apparent. Using hands to eat independently with a spoon is a sign of developing fine motor skills. Encourage drawing with a variety of items, such as crayons, paint and chalk, to improve the grasp of an object. Provide a doll with zippers, buttons and other clothing to practice these skills. Encourage her to begin dressing herself to improve small motor skills. Provide opportunities to play with sand and clay to increase muscle strength in the hands. Play with a ball or blocks to improve hand-eye coordination. Provide frequent opportunities to run, climb, kick and dance, as children learn best through play.

Grade School

• Grade-school children begin to refine their gross motor and fine motor skills. Grasping a pencil and learning to write will require practice. Throwing and hitting a ball accurately is also learned through practice. Team sports provide opportunities to practice gross motor skills as well as teamwork. Encourage him to participate in as many activities as he finds interesting and enjoyable. Some students may require special accommodations for either fine motor or gross motor skills. Work with the school's special education office to address any concerns.

Middle School

• Organized sports become more common in middle school. Competition for teams may eliminate some opportunities to participate in activities. Encourage students to participate in favorite physical activities to develop a healthy lifestyle. The physical changes of puberty begin during late grade school and continue until adulthood. Hormones will affect all aspects of development from physical ability to emotional reactions. Physical changes become more gender specific during puberty. Growth and development will continue into the early 20s.

Considerations

• Children mature at individual rates. Repeated delays in reaching physical milestones should be discussed with a medical professional. Early intervention and treatment is essential for many developmental difficulties. Encourage children to participate in regular physical activities to improve general health and to avoid obesity.