Are You Sure Your Child is Coordinated Enough?

By: Michelle Warren, Physiotherapist (Pediatric)

What Is Coordination?

Coordination refers to the ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly and efficiently. It encompasses both gross motor skills—like running and jumping—and fine motor skills, such as writing or buttoning a shirt. Both types of coordination are crucial for daily activities and overall physical fitness.

Why Coordination is Important

Physical coordination skills are the foundation for the introduction of skills-related fitness: agility, balance, power, reaction time, speed. It has benefits for physical and mental health, athletic and academic success, and independence.

Stages of Motor Skill Development

Children develop motor skills in stages, and each child progresses at their own pace. Here’s a general timeline to help you gauge where your child might be:

Infants (0-12 months)

Gross Motor: Babies start learning to move using reflexive movements, eventually rolling over, sitting up, and crawling.
Mastering “tummy time” is a really important step to helping build strength, to integrate reflexes, and to work on sensory integration.
Sensory development is critical- our 8 senses must mature and integrate in order for us to move with purpose and respond appropriately to the information our bodies receive.
Fine Motor: They begin to grasp objects and explore them with their hands and mouths.
Can feed self finger foods by 12 months

Toddlers (1-3 years)

Gross Motor: Babies should learn to walk by the time they are 15 months old.
Walking becomes more stable, and they start to run, climb, jump, throw and kick a ball.
Fine Motor: Toddlers can stack blocks, turn pages in a book, and manipulate small objects.

Preschoolers (3-5 years)

Gross Motor: Improved balance allows them to hop, skip, and ride tricycles.
Fine Motor: Children can draw simple shapes, use scissors, and begin to dress themselves.
Hand dominance is established

Early School Age (6-8 years)

Gross Motor: Skills like jumping rope, throwing, and catching develop significantly.
Fine Motor: Writing becomes more legible, and they can perform tasks that require greater dexterity.

Signs of Coordination Development

Every child develops at their own pace, but certain signs can indicate whether your child is on track:

Playing Games: Engaging in play that involves running, jumping, and climbing is a good sign of gross motor development.
Activity Level: is physically active willingly on a regular basis
Fine Motor Skills: Scribbling by 18 months
Imitate strokes and circles by 24 months
Accurately cop vertical, horizontal lines and circles by age 3
Copy shapes and letter formation by age 5
Hand dominance clearly established by age 5
Following Directions: If your child can follow simple instructions that involve movement (like “jump” or “clap”), they may have good coordination skills.

When to Be Concerned

While there’s a broad range of what’s considered “normal,” some red flags may suggest a need for further evaluation:

👏Difficulty with basic movements (like walking or running) beyond the typical age range.
👏Persistent clumsiness or frequent falls.
👏Trouble with fine motor tasks, like holding a pencil or using utensils.
👏Having more difficulty with tasks than age-matched peers
👏Frequent frustration
👏Frequent temper tantrums when asked to do things perceived as being difficult
👏Shutting down, avoiding certain activities/tasks, or becoming very silly in an effort to avoid
👏Overall low tone

If you’re concerned about your child’s coordination, it’s always a good idea to consult with a pediatrician or a child development specialist. They can provide guidance and resources tailored to your child’s needs.

Tips for Fostering Coordination

Encouraging your child’s coordination doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Here are some fun and engaging ways to help your child develop these important skills:

Play Outdoors: Activities like running, jumping, and climbing can help improve gross motor skills. Playground equipment is great for this!
Arts and Crafts: Encourage your child to draw, paint, or create crafts that require precise hand movements, enhancing fine motor skills.
Ball Games: Simple games like tossing a ball back and forth can improve hand-eye coordination.
Dancing and Movement Activities: Dance parties or structured classes can be a fun way to enhance coordination while also being active.
Limit Screen Time: Encourage physical play over screen time to promote active movement and exploration.
Be Patient and Supportive: Every child develops at their own pace. Celebrate small victories and offer encouragement to build their confidence.

How a Professional Can Help

A Physiotherapist and/or Occupational Therapist like the ones here at Play On Pediatric Therapy in Barrhaven, Ottawa, Ontario can use standardized testing to find gaps in skills. Some of these tests include: The Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M-ABC), the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, or the Alberta Infant Motor Scale. After an assessment is completed, the therapist could also create a treatment plan to address any concerns, provide recommendations for next steps, write reports to help obtain support in the school or other care setting, and coordinate with other healthcare practitioners for optimal care

Conclusion

Understanding your child’s coordination development can help you support their growth in meaningful ways. Remember, all children are unique, and there’s a wide range of what’s considered normal. By providing opportunities for physical activity and celebrating their progress, you can help your child develop the coordination skills they need for a healthy, active life. If you have concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team here at Play On Pediatric Therapy or someone in your area for advice and support. Enjoy the journey of watching your child grow and flourish!

613-699-0787

info@playonpediatric.com