Encourage Activity
It might look like just child's play, but toddlers are
hard at work learning important physical skills as they gain muscle
control, balance, and coordination. Each new skill lets them
progress to the next one, building on a foundation that leads to
more complicated physical tasks, such as jumping rope, kicking a
ball on the run, or turning a cartwheel.
Toddlers always want to do more, which can motivate them to keep
trying until they acquire a new skill, no matter what it takes.
Take advantage of your toddler's natural desire to keep
moving. Even at this early age, kids establish patterns of activity
that carry through the rest of childhood. So an active toddler is
likely to remain active later.
Developing Skills
Playing and learning are completely natural for toddlers, so
mastering the skills below should be fun and games for them.
Parents should give toddlers many opportunities to practice their
developing skills while providing supervision so they stay safe
while they learn.
In addition to these physical accomplishments, toddlers are
developing in other ways. Provide opportunities for yours to
explore, ask questions, use his or her imagination, and practice
fine motor skills, such as stacking blocks or coloring.
Here's a guide to the physical skills toddlers are working,
by age:
Early Toddler Skills (12-24 months)
- walks independently
- pulls/carries toys while walking
- stoops and gets back up
- begins to run
- kicks a ball
- holds railing up/down stairs
- walks backward
Older Toddler Skills (24-36 months)
- balances 1 to 2 seconds on one foot
- climbs well
- bends over easily without falling
- runs well
- kicks ball forward
- both feet on step, up and down stairs
- starts to pedal tricycle
- throws ball over head
How Much Activity Is Enough?
For children 12-36 months old, current National Association for
Sports and Physical Education (NASPE) guidelines recommend this
much daily activity:
- at least 30 minutes of structured physical activity
(adult-led)
- at least 60 minutes unstructured physical activity (free
play)
As a general rule, toddlers shouldn't be inactive for more
than 1 hour at a time, except for sleeping. That's a lot of
work for parents and caregivers, but a lot of much-needed activity
for toddlers.
Encourage your toddler to be active, and remember how much he or
she is learning along the way.
Reviewed by:
Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: May 2008
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2009 The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth. All rights reserved.