Is your little one ready to start running and jumping?

Once your toddler starts walking, it won’t be long before they move on to more advanced gross motor skills, like running and jumping. 

But, running and jumping aren’t as simple as they look, and getting both feet to leave the ground at once can be a real challenge at first!
 
“Motor development happens in a predictable sequence for most children, but the age at which each skill is mastered varies from child to child,” says registered physiotherapist Lauren Mayer. 

“Most toddlers will start running somewhere between the ages of 16-20 months – usually once they’ve mastered the art of walking well – but by the age of two and a half, your little one should be able to run freely, stopping and starting without falling.” 

A hop, a skip, and a jump

Jumping is a far greater challenge than running and requires more coordination and confidence from your tot. 

“Learning to jump covers a much wider timespan, which – like any other developmental skill – is dependent on a number of factors, such as genetics, the maturation of the central nervous system, nutrition and your toddler’s physical health, his environment, as well as being allowed the opportunity and freedom to practice jumping,” says Mayer. 

She adds that jumping with both feet leaving the floor at the same time can happen any time between the ages of two-and-a-half to four years old.”

How to encourage your toddler to run and jump

Toddlers generally have a lot of energy and need a lot of space to move. Clear some space in your living room and add a soft rug or foam mat so that your little one can run, jump, dance and twirl away happily – and safely! 

If you don’t have a garden, visit a local park or the beach and let your toddler walk on their own, instead of carrying them or keeping them strapped into their pram. 

You can also enrol your little one in a playgroup or gymnastics-type class for young children if they need a little extra encouragement or if you don’t have enough room at home. 

Remember to constantly give your child feedback and to encourage them verbally; it may take a while for your child to respond to commands such as “wait for me” or ”slow down” at first, but it’s important to continue giving them these instructions – especially as they get faster and grow in confidence! 

IMAGE CREDIT: shutterstock.com