Gross Motor Skills

Evidence  

Long-term motor outcomes of very preterm and/or very low birth weight individuals without cerebral palsy: A review of the current evidence 

Kari Anne I. Evensen, Tordis Ustad, Marjaana Tikanmäki, Peija Haaramo, Eero Kajantie 

Abstract: Motor function is one of the very early signs of typical or adverse neurodevelopment in the child's first year of life. Motor impairments that might be seen in children born preterm vary from cerebral palsy (CP) to minor or subtle motor problems.  

Education 

Gross motor skills are the big movements your child makes using their arms, legs, and body. These skills help your child move, play, and explore the world around them. 

During the toddler years, your child is growing stronger and more confident in their body. They are learning how to move in new ways and practice these skills every day through play. 

You may notice your toddler beginning to: 

• Walk and start to run  

• Climb onto furniture or playground equipment  

• Attempt to go up and down steps with support  

• Kick or throw a ball  

• Pull or push toys while walking  

• Try jumping or dancing  

These skills develop over time as your child builds strength, balance, and coordination. Gross motor skills use large muscle groups and are important for everyday movement and independence. 

For some children, reaching these milestones will happen later than other children of a similar age. Every child develops at their own pace, and this is a normal part of development. 

For children who were born early or sick, gross motor skills may take a little longer to develop. They may need extra time, practice, and support. 

Here are some signs that your child may have difficulties with their gross motor development: 

• Avoids physical activities that are challenging, or only joins in for a short time (e.g. riding a bike or playing catch)  

• Finds it hard to do the same physical activities as other children their age  

• Has difficulty following multi-step physical tasks (e.g. an obstacle course)  

• Finds it hard to copy actions with a sequence of steps (e.g. throwing and hitting a ball)  

• Has more falls or accidents than other children of a similar age  

• Tires quickly during physical play  

• Shows stiffness in their arms or legs  

• Appears floppy in their limbs or body  

• Has delays in reaching milestones such as sitting, crawling, walking, running, hopping, or jumping  

A delay in gross motor development may sometimes be linked to other conditions, such as cerebral palsy (CP), global developmental delay (GDD), or genetic conditions. If you have any concerns about your child’s development, it is important to speak with your GP or your child’s healthcare team. 

Note: During the first 2-3 years of your child’s life when a baby is born before their due date, they will have two ages: their corrected age and their chronological age. https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/content/corrected-age/gmf9vc   

Empowerment 

It is important to remember that all children develop at different rates. Some children may meet their developmental milestones early, while others need a little extra time to catch up. Developmental milestones are a general guide to help understand when children may learn new skills. 

Following your child’s lead and making movement fun helps them feel confident and supported. Play does not need to be structured, your child learns just by exploring and being active. 

Games like follow the leader, simple obstacle courses, balloon volleyball, animal walks, scooting, dancing, jumping rope or using a hoola hoop, playing with a ball, playing Simon Says, balancing, or crawling are all great ways to develop gross motor skills.  

You can also support your child by: 

• Staying close as they try new movements 

• Offering encouragement and celebrating effort (let them know that you are here to support them and that they are safe).  

• Acknowledging their feelings 

• Allowing them to try things on their own 

• Keeping play safe while still giving opportunities to explore 

• Giving them ‘more’ support or scaffolding initially and then reducing it as your child’s confidence grows.  

• Providing specific instructions on how to use the body when attempting gross motor tasks e.g. place your arm here, or your foot here (when learning to climb). This helps your child to learn and understand where their body is in space and the motor ‘mapping’ of what their body needs to do to achieve the task. 

If your child feels unsure or cautious, it is important to go at their pace. Some children like to watch before they join in. With time and reassurance, their confidence will grow. 

If you are concerned that your child may be experiencing gross motor difficulties and a potential delay, speak to your GP or your child’s health care professional. They may recommend a referral to a physiotherapist or occupational therapist who can provide a detailed assessment of your child’s motor development and if needed, provide early intervention to support your child’s developing skill set. With early identification and the right intervention, children have the best opportunity to thrive and reach their developmental milestones.  

Useful Links 

The Sydney Hospital Network 

https://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/kids-health-hub/growth-and-development/toddlers 

Miracle Babies Foundation 

https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/content/gross-motor-skills/gmw5w8 

Raising Children 

https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/premature-babies-sick-babies/development/premature-development-concerns 

Government of Western Australia, Child & Adolescent Health Service 

https://cahs.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/HSPs/CAHS/Documents/Community-Health/ChildDevelopment/Play-and-Learning-7-active-play.pdf 

Playgroup NSW 

PGNSW_003_Factsheets_template_Using_Outdoor_Spaces_to_Enhance_Gross_Motor_Skills_v1.pdf

Playgroup WA 

https://www.playgroupwa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Gross-Motor-Skills-tip-sheet.pdf

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