As a parent, it’s natural to watch your child move, play, and explore their world. It’s also natural to sometimes wonder whether they’re keeping pace with other children their age. Questions like “Is this normal?” or “Should I be concerned?” are incredibly common, especially when it comes to physical development.
The truth is that children develop at their own pace. Some achieve gross motor skill milestones early, while others take a little more time. In some cases, these skills can be delayed. That’s when extra support can help children build the strength, coordination, and confidence they need to move more comfortably.
This article will walk you through what gross motor skills are, what a delay may look like, and how you can tell if your child needs extra support from a pediatric therapist. Plus, we’ll give you some fun tips you can use at home to help your child practice these vital skills!
What Are Gross Motor Skills?
Gross motor skills involve the large muscles of the body that help children move and interact with their environment. These muscles include the arms, legs, belly, and back. They are the foundation for all of your child’s movement and play, which makes them a very important part of achieving key developmental milestones.
From the moment your baby is born, their gross motor skills start to develop and get more refined as they get older. Early on, this may look like lifting the head, rolling, or sitting without support. When their bodies get bigger and stronger, gross motor skills support activities such as climbing stairs, riding a bike, playing on the playground, or keeping up with peers during games.
What Is a Gross Motor Delay?
A gross motor delay occurs when a child reaches physical milestones later than expected or has difficulty doing the movements or activities that other kids their age can do.
It’s important to note that a delay does not automatically mean something is “wrong.” Some children develop new skills more slowly than others because every child is different.
The key with a delay is that it starts to cause trouble with reaching important milestones, and can stack up over time like a traffic jam. That’s why being able to recognize a developmental delay early is important, so your child can get the support they need to thrive.
Common Signs of Delayed Gross Motor Skills
Parents are often the first to notice when something doesn’t feel quite right because you spend the most time with your child. While every child is different, some common signs of gross motor delays to watch out for include:
In Infants and Toddlers
- Difficulty lifting their head or pushing up during tummy time
- Limited rolling, sitting, or crawling
- Not attempting to pull with their arms to stand
- Trouble walking while holding onto something like furniture
- Appearing stiff or unusually floppy when moving
In Preschool-Age Children
- Trouble climbing stairs or needing frequent assistance
- Avoiding running, jumping, or playground equipment
- Frequent falls or difficulty keeping balance
- Becoming tired quickly during active play
In School-Age Children
- Difficulty keeping up with peers during games or sports
- Avoidance of physical activities
- Poor coordination or balance
- Frustration or low confidence during movement-based tasks
When to Consider Physical Therapy
You may want to consider physical therapy if your child’s movement challenges begin to interfere with their daily activities, play, or participation in school. You know your child best, and we’d encourage you to reach out to our experts if you’re concerned or simply unsure.
Many families choose to try physical therapy when:
- Progress reaching physical milestones feels slow or inconsistent
- Movement seems uncomfortable for your child or like it takes a lot of effort
- Delays impact your child’s independence or confidence
- Parents have ongoing concerns and want professional guidance
Early support can help children build foundational movement skills while their bodies and brains are still developing rapidly. By working with a physical therapist, you can give your child the extra support they need to reach their milestones and thrive.
Fun Ways to Support Gross Motor Skills at Home
Children learn best through play, and that’s one of the best ways to support their gross motor development! Here are some fun activities that you can do with your child at home to help them build these vital skills.
Tummy Time Play
Tummy time is one of the most important ways to support gross motor development in babies. It helps build strength in the neck, shoulders, arms, and core, which supports skills like rolling, sitting, and crawling as your baby grows.
Place your baby on their belly on a firm, safe surface while they are awake and supervised. You can get down on the floor with them, use toys, mirrors, or sing songs to encourage them to lift their head and push up through their arms.
Stuffed Animal Train
Fill a laundry basket or sturdy box with your child’s favorite stuffed animals and invite them to be the “train conductor.” Your child can push or pull the basket around the house, delivering their stuffed animals to different rooms. This activity helps build strength in the arms, legs, and core while supporting coordination and endurance in a playful way.
Animal Walk Adventures
Animal walks are a fun way to build strength and stability. Ask your child to move like different animals, such as a bear crawling on their hands and feet, or a crab walking with their belly facing up. These silly movements help strengthen the arms, legs, and core while improving overall body control.
Jump-and-Freeze Games
Play music and encourage your child to jump, hop, or move freely while the music plays. When the music stops, ask them to “freeze” in place. This activity helps children practice jumping, stopping, and controlling their movements. It also supports body awareness and coordination while keeping things fun.
Everyday Movement Helpers
Incorporate movement into daily routines by inviting your child to help with simple tasks. Carrying light groceries, climbing playground equipment, or walking up and down stairs all provide valuable practice. These everyday activities help children build strength and confidence while reinforcing that movement is a natural part of daily life.
Reach Out to Tender Ones Therapy Services for Extra Support
If you’re unsure whether your child could benefit from physical therapy, a screening or evaluation can give you peace of mind. Tender Ones Therapy Services offers pediatric physical therapy at our clinics in Dacula, Gainesville, and Atlanta, GA. Give us a call to schedule an evaluation today, and let’s work together to help your child move with confidence!
