Physical development in children is much more than just growth; it encompasses gross and fine motor skills. Gross motor skills include the ability to sit, stand, balance and move the body. Fine motor skills involve the hands and fingers -- learning to hold things, use eating and drawing utensils and playing with objects. While milestones exist to help judge your child's progress, each child develops at her own pace. Speak with your pediatrician if you feel your child may be lagging.
The First Year
So much change occurs before a child turns 1 year old. In the first month, your baby thrusts her arms and legs, makes fists and moves her hands around her face. By 3 months, she pushes her upper body with her arms when lying on her stomach. She begins to grab toys and to reach for hanging items. She opens and closes her hands and pushes onto her feet when you hold her upright on a flat surface. She may begin holding the bottle with you during feedings by 6 or 7 months. She also rolls on her own, sits more steadily and transfers items from one hand to the other. At a year, she can get herself in the sitting position, crawl, briefly stand alone and even take a step or two without assistance.
Year Two
By 18 months, your child will walk on her own and may even run a bit. She will carry toys and pull off her socks -- whether you want her to or not. Activities like scribbling, pulling and emptying containers will entertain her. Building small towers and turning book pages begin in this age range. By 2 years, your child will use a spoon on her own, kick or roll a ball, scale stairs with assistance and open anything to which she has access. Her improved balance allows her to bend over without falling, walk backwards and stand on her toes. You may notice her favoring one hand over the other, and she’ll help when you wash her hands.
Pre-School Years
Gross and fine motor skills greatly improve during these years. Hopping and jumping, throwing and catching balls and pedaling a small bike all become doable. Your child will learn to skip, swing, climb and tumble as she reaches 5 years of age. More dexterity develops during these years: holding crayons and cups, cutting with childproof scissors, copying shapes and letters and using eating utensils well. She will dress and undress herself, use bathroom facilities on her own and use doorknobs.
Middle Childhood
When children begin spending more time with people beyond their immediate family and friends, they have reached middle childhood. Attending school broadens a child's world, and her physical development is less visible, but it is just as active. Physical activity becomes more intense, and coordination develops from uneven in the early years to near-complete by the end of middle childhood. Activities requiring acute muscle control -- like playing an instrument -- become easier during this period.
References
- University of Michigan Health System: Developmental Milestones
- Healthy Children: Ages & Stages
- National Network for Child Care; Developmental Milestones: A Guide for Parents -- The First Year; Joyce Powell; March 1997
- National Network for Child Care; Developmental Milestones: A Guide for Parents -- The Second Year; Joyce Powell; March 1997
- National Network for Child Care; Developmental Milestones: A Guide for Parents -- The Third Year; Joyce Powell; March 1997
- North Carolina Cooperative Extension; Childhood Years; Karen DeBord, PhD
