Gross Motor Skills

By September 30, 2018 September 22nd, 2024 Occupational Therapy
Young girl running to develop gross motor skills with an occupational therapy in an occupational therapy session in bondi junction and mascot

Boosting Gross Motor Skills in Children: How Occupational Therapy in Bondi Junction and Mascot Can Help

Gross motor skills are the large body movements children use to walk, run, jump, and throw. These skills are critical for children to explore their world, play, and engage in physical activities. Without strong gross motor skills, everyday tasks like running or balancing can be a challenge. At our Bondi Junction and Mascot clinics, our Occupational Therapists work closely with children to help them build these essential skills.

What Are Gross Motor Skills?

These skills involve the large muscles in your body. They help with actions like running, jumping, and climbing. Babies use these muscles to roll over or sit up, while older kids use them to hop, skip, or even play sports. Every time a child runs on a playground or jumps over obstacles, they are practicing their gross motor skills.

How Gross Motor Skills Develop

Gross motor development happens in stages:

  • Infants: Babies begin by strengthening their neck and shoulder muscles during tummy time. Soon, they learn to roll over and crawl.
  • Toddlers: Toddlers are constantly moving. They start walking, running, and climbing as they explore their environment.
  • Preschoolers: By this stage, children run more smoothly, jump with both feet, and start riding tricycles or scooters.
  • School-Aged Children: As they grow, kids refine their motor skills. They begin to engage in complex activities like riding a bike, swimming, and playing sports.

Why Are Gross Motor Skills Important?

They are essential for:

  • Physical Fitness: They keep children active, healthy, and strong.
  • Confidence: Kids feel proud and confident when they master new physical skills.
  • Social Interaction: Many group games and sports rely on well-developed gross motor skills.
  • Independence: Tasks like walking, climbing stairs, and cycling give kids freedom to move independently.

Common Gross Motor Challenges

Common issues include:

  • Delayed Milestones: Children who are slower to walk, run, or jump.
  • Dyspraxia: Difficulty planning and executing physical movements.
  • Muscle Weakness: Weak muscles can make it hard to perform basic tasks.
  • Coordination Issues: Children who struggle to balance or control their movements.

Signs of Gross Motor Skill Issues

Parents should watch for these signs that may indicate gross motor delays:

  • Clumsiness or awkward movements compared to peers.
  • Avoidance of physical activities or games.
  • Trouble climbing stairs or getting up from the floor.
  • Weakness or quick fatigue during physical tasks.

How Occupational Therapy Can Help

If your child is having trouble with gross motor skills, Occupational Therapy can provide structured support. Here’s how we help:

  • Tailored Activities: We design fun and engaging exercises to help children strengthen their muscles and improve coordination.
  • Obstacle Courses: Using obstacle courses with jumping, climbing, and balancing tasks helps children develop gross motor skills in a playful way.
  • Sports and Movement: Activities like swimming, dancing, and playing sports help build coordination and endurance.
  • Parental Support: We work with parents to create home-based activities that help children practice their skills outside the clinic.

Encouraging Gross Motor Skills at Home

You can support your child’s development with simple activities:

  • Play Outside: Running, climbing, and swinging on playground equipment help strengthen muscles and coordination.
  • Sports: Enroll your child in sports or dance classes. These activities are excellent for improving balance, strength, and teamwork.
  • Balance Games: Simple activities like standing on one foot or walking on a balance beam help children build stability.

Conclusion

Gross motor skills are a vital part of your child’s physical and emotional development. Strong motor abilities enable children to move confidently, play with their peers, and stay healthy. By supporting gross motor development early, you’re helping your child build the foundation for a lifetime of active play and independence.

We’re Here to Support You

At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we believe that every child deserves the chance to grow and thrive. Our Bondi Junction and Mascot clinics provide a nurturing space where children can build their gross motor skills under the guidance of experienced Occupational Therapists.

Reach Out for Support

If you’re concerned about your child’s gross motor skills or want to know more about how Occupational Therapy can help, contact us at OneOnOne Children’s Therapy. Call our Bondi Junction or Mascot clinics at (02) 80657837 or email us. You can also book a free 30-minute phone call to discuss your child’s development with one of our AHPRA-registered Occupational Therapists.

We are a dedicated team of Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Certified ESDM Therapists, and Psychologists, serving families in Bondi Junction and Mascot, providing top-quality care for children with autism, developmental delays, and learning difficulties.