Balance Skills

 

As an occupational therapist, I focus on the development of the functional skills of the children.  Many people think of us as therapists who work on the fine or small motor skills. But it is also important that the children have a solid foundation in order to develop these fine motor skills.  The development of consistent balance adjustment skills allows children to maintain stability in the trunk area while allowing for free flowing movement of the limbs.  The development of a stable base of operations at the body’s center is important if control of body parts that are far away from the body’s center is to occur.  This concept of proximal to distal development of muscular control has a direct relationship to classroom tasks such as crayon and pencil control.  Try some of these activities to improve balance skills.

 

When you and your child are out for a walk, encourage her to step over rather than walk around obstacles that might be in her path.  This helps to develop a better sense of balance.

 

Have your child sit on the floor with legs out straight in front. Have him “walk” by shifting weight over hips.  Then try squat walking.

 

Play freeze in hand and knee position.  Have your child mimic movements that involve alternating weight bearing over one hand, one knee.  For example in the hands and knees position, can he hold one hand out to the side (one hand, two knees on the floor)  Or one leg extended back and opposite hand to the front of him.  

 

Play Tug of War with your child.  Give one end of a hand towel to your child and you hold the other.  Provide varying resistance.  Some times let her pull you over.   Next time almost pull her over and then let the towel go a little bit and see if she can hold her balance.

 

Have Fun

Beth Cassidy

Occupational Therapist.