Children who are developmentally delayed often find it difficult to develop motor skills. This means that they can’t easily take part in routine physical activities which in turn further impedes those motor skills.

A recent study by Megan MacDonald of Oregon State University’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences found that parents make a big difference in supporting physical activity, especially with younger children.

Gross motor skills like jumping and running, throwing and catching, are the building blocks upon which more complex physical activity can be learned as children grow. When parents spend time on helping a child practice these activities, they tend to see improved motor skills, MacDonald said.

The study involved a survey comprised of questions. One category was about “parental explicit modelling.”  These asked parents how often they and their family engaged in physical activity, as well as how they used their own behaviour to demonstrate and encourage an activity. “Parental tangible support” included creating a supportive environment questioning how often parents drive children to and from recreational activities and watching their games or activities.

Both factors had a significant positive impact on increasing physical activity among children, which then positively impacted the development of the children’s motor skills.

MacDonald writes that early intervention sets children up to have more opportunity for physical activity in the future, and takes advantage of the fact that younger children tend to already spend more time watching and copying their parents.

Children who have developmental delays show needs in other important areas.  For example, they may need help in developing social and communication skills and in such cases, it becomes more of a priority than physical activities.

But, as MacDonald reminds us, it is possible to divide one’s focus while engaging in physical activities, such as teaching social skills or reciprocal communication during an active game. “So, taking your kid to the park, providing these opportunities, counts on many levels. It’s fun and it’s healthy.”

Provided by Oregon State University 

Image supplied by Freepik.