Young children grow dramatically between their early toddler years and their first year of school. Whereas the average 2-year-old is still learning the ropes of walking, a typical 4-year-old is an expert at running about during outside play. Caregivers can support physical growth and development in young children by consistently monitoring their health and offering them plenty of opportunities to grow.
Step 1
Observe your child’s sleep. If your child seems sleepy on a regular basis, put him to bed at an hour that will allow him to get enough sleep. According to the Nemours Foundation, most children need between 10 and 12 hours of sleep every night in order to grow properly.
Step 2
Provide your child with adequate nutrition to support her growth. A healthy child's diet should include five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, healthy sources of protein such as eggs and lean meat and whole-grain cereals and breads. Additionally, prepare your child's meals with healthier methods such as as broiling and grilling as opposed to frying food, and limit her intake of junk food and sugary beverages.
Step 3
Limit television time. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that because time spent with various media may displace meaningful activities such as playing and exercising, parents should limit their children's total media time to under one or two hours of quality programming each day.
Step 4
Participate in his play to motivate him. Oftentimes, simply suggesting games, playing them with children and encouraging them through enthusiasm and praise is enough to engage them in physical activities, says the North Dakota State University Extension Service.
Step 5
Create some play space and buy a variety of creative materials. To fully enjoy activities that promote physical development, your child should have at least a small space in your home that is set aside specifically for play. Provide a bin with physical toys such as balls to work on her gross motor skills and access to materials such as modeling clay, crayons, and paper to work on her fine motor skills.
Step 6
Buy or find large play equipment. If you can’t afford a home jungle gym or you don’t have enough space for one, go to a nearby park or recreation center so that your child has plenty of opportunities to work on his pulling, pushing, climbing, jumping, balancing and coordination skills.
Step 7
Invite other children to play, too. Having playmates that are close in age can encourage your child to engage in active play without feeling left behind by older children with more physical skills. Playing with peers can also help your child learn how to solve problems, cooperate with others and recognize when to follow and when to lead. If your child isn’t enrolled in preschool, join a mommy-and-me group for children of similar ages and set up play dates. If you plan to have other children in your home, ask your child in advance whether she wants to hide or share her favorite toys.
