How being energetic and active is great for fine motor development

Toddlers are full of energy, curiosity and intrigue. It feels like they are never still, always moving on to something new. The wonderful thing about this is being busy and active is great for their development! Here we look at some of the benefits movement has on their ever-enhancing fine motor skills. 

Being active stimulates their vestibular sense (balance) 

When young children play, they move in all kinds of directions, especially when spinning, rolling and climbing. These movements develop their sense of balance. When a child has good balance, it helps them to concentrate, build whole body strength and improve their coordination. 

Not only that, but your toddler's vestibular sense helps them stay upright and respond to a variety of movements, so this sense needs to experience lots of movement to learn and work well.^[1] 

Being able to stand safely and move their limbs independently will be very handy in lots of daily situations as they grow and develop. Actions like using a bat and ball, reaching for shopping and standing to type a message on a phone are just a few. 

When toddlers move around it helps build core strength and postural control 

As your toddler grows and develops stronger core stability, they will have better control over the positions and movements of this area of their body. Having a strong core and good balance will ultimately help your toddler when they come to do things like threading, painting and other activities that use their fine motor skills. 

Postural control is all about maintaining balance and is an essential part of many everyday activities. It is the ability to keep the body stable while sitting, standing and moving.  

Your toddler’s body develops larger muscles first before smaller ones. Their core muscles and postural strength need to be well developed so that their arms can move efficiently and control their hands and fingers for lots of day-to-day actions. 

If your toddler moves a lot, it is because their body needs to 

Whenever possible, encourage your toddler to move around. 

At home: 

• Involve your toddler by asking them to get things for you when you are preparing food. 
• Think about whether you can walk to places occasionally instead of using transport. 
• Make time for regular action songs and rhymes. 

Out and about: 

• Visiting a park and play area will give them the chance to move in lots of different ways.  
• Go on an expedition in a field and think of ways to move while you look for things; perhaps jump, roll or spin along the way. 

Reference: 

[1] Humber Sensory Processing Hub. (2020) The Vestibular Sensory System. NHS