Balance refers to the body's ability to maintain a controlled position during activities. When we perform daily tasks such as sitting, walking, or stepping, we rely on our balance ability to maintain a safe and stable body position.
A lack of balance can interfere with a child's ability to perform activities safely and affect their quality of life. For this reason, parents need to help train their children's balance in the following ways:
- Monkey bar game
The monkey bar game is a traditional game that has been known for a long time. This hanging swing game consists of several rods that help children swing to train children's balance and coordination.
If your child is not used to using monkey bars, start with a low level of difficulty. Encourage children to reach and hang on one stick, then slowly help them to reach for the next stick. Always pay attention to safety and make sure the child is comfortable with the exercise before increasing the difficulty level.
- Crawling and running
Crawling is the first step in a child's motor development. When crawling, children use both their hands and knees to move alternately. This activity involves coordinating hand and foot movements, strengthening upper and lower body muscles, and improving balance. Crawling also helps improve body control, spatial orientation, and sensory perception.
Running involves dynamic body movements and involves the whole body. This activity helps improve coordination between the legs, arms, and upper body. While running, children must maintain body balance while moving their legs quickly, controlling the direction and speed of movement. Running also helps build leg muscle strength and improve cardiorespiratory ability.
- Jump and land
Once children can run, they will learn to jump and land. Jumping and landing involve dynamic movements, require good body control, and involve many muscles and sensory systems in the body.
Jumping on one leg, jumping in various directions, jumping over obstacles, jumping and landing on a target and jumping rope can be fun exercises for them. Make sure your child does it in a safe and spacious area and uses a soft surface to land on to reduce the risk of injury.
- Walking
Walking is not only beneficial for adults but is also very important for children's development, especially in training their body coordination. When children walk, they must pace and coordinate their body movements to maintain balance and a steady pace. It helps strengthen muscles, build motor skills, and improve overall body coordination.
Walking also involves maintaining body balance when taking steps. Children learn to maintain a stable body position and regulate their center of gravity while walking.
The development of a child's coordination is called dyspraxia. Children with developmental coordination disorders perform daily activities less well.
You need to consult a doctor if your child shows signs of dyspraxia or If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
Looking for more information about pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the health of women and children? Click here!
- Sean Edbert Lim, MBBS
Pathways.org. All The Ways Crawling Helps Baby’s Development. Available from: https://pathways.org/how-crawling-helps-development/
Healthdirect (2022). Benefits of physical activity for children. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/benefits-of-physical-activity-for-children
Parents.com (2020). 7 Little Ways to Improve Your Child's Coordination. Available from: https://www.parents.com/kids/development/little-ways-to-improve-your-childs-coordination/
Kid sense, balance, & coordination. Available from: https://childdevelopment.com.au/areas-of-concern/gross-motor-skills/balance-coordination/
Baby Sparks (2018). Jumping: A Significant Gross Motor Skill. Available from: https://babysparks.com/2018/02/28/jumping-a-significant-gross-motor-skill/
Mayo Clinic (2021). Walking: Trim your waistline; improve your health. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/walking/art-20046261
NHS UK (2023). Developmental co-ordination disorder (dyspraxia) in children. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/developmental-coordination-disorder-dyspraxia/