What’s that? It's moving, let me grab it!

Your toddler is now better able to pick up objects that move, thanks to their developing fine motor skills. Great when it comes to playtime, but what about when they see a spider or ladybird? Your toddler might use their developing fine motor and sensory skills to try and grab it. 

It’s moving, I want to pick it up! 

This is great when playing with a ball or a toy car. But there are certain things that move that you might prefer your toddler didn’t pick up; spiders, butterflies, beetles, pets and any kind of moving animal or insect are now within your toddler’s reach. 

Animals and insects can become very interesting to them, yet their fine motor skills might not yet be at a stage where they can pick a living being up.  

Your toddler might find that a living creature moves quickly, and they can’t catch it. This might feel like an exciting challenge, but it could become frustrating.  

If a moving creature does get away, talk about why. Did it have more legs? Wings? Explain that nature is brilliant at keeping itself safe.  

It’s good for toddlers to explore nature and living creatures, but it’s worth remembering that they don’t yet understand the potential consequences of their actions. 

Your toddler probably won’t understand how to control the force they use when picking up objects; this can cause some insects to get squished. If this happens, it is likely to be completely accidental, but it could be upsetting for you both.  

If you notice your toddler trying to pick up a living being, and you think they may cause it accidental harm, try to capture their attention by making a comment about what they are reaching for.  

They might try and pick it up again. If so, distract them again, maybe hold their hand and comment on what you can see.  

You could perhaps look for a leaf, stone or piece of paper for the insect to crawl onto. Tell your toddler that you're moving it somewhere safe, back with its insect friends.  

Some living beings are more robust and can handle being picked up and investigated. 

Snails, worms and slugs are some of the hardier creatures. They can feel tickly in the hands, and this sometimes creates a lot of excitement. 

When your toddler explores living creatures, stay close to them. Make sure they are safe and check they don’t try to find out what the moving being tastes like; smaller bugs can easily be mistaken for food! 

Not all children like the idea of touching or picking up live creatures, and this is absolutely fine!