What is Muscle tone? Muscle tone refers to the amount of underlying tension in a muscle. It describes how much tension is in a muscle when it is relaxed. What happens when it is low tone? In children, low muscle tone is used to describe when an infant...
Play is something that children do, and they do it freely, by choice. Most children don’t require much coercion to get them to participate in a playful activity. Children learn through play experiences – interacting with various objects, surroundings and people. You have probably heard...
Coming into summer the days are getting hotter which means it's time for the pool and/or beach! Spending time in the water in crucial for children to develop water skills that will help keep them safe. Water play also assists children in developing muscle stretch,...
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a condition that describes children who are delayed in meeting their developmental milestones. They are significantly uncoordinated and struggle to learn the skills required to perform everyday tasks. Often these children are described as ‘clumsy’. Generally, it impacts young boys...
Participation in sport is important in a child's overall development. It assists in acquiring gross motor skills such as running, jumping, hopping and throwing. It also helps with hand eye co-ordination with the greatest benefits from ball and racquet sports such as tennis, basketball, soccer and football. Children also benefit...
Walking on the toes is common in children who are learning to walk. Most children will grow out of it and so there is no need to worry. However, if your child is still predominantly walking on their toes after the age of 2 it...
Walking unsupported Squats to pick up a toy Speech and first words Able to play with more complex toys Able to use spoons and cups Act early and talk to your healthcare provider if: Unable to take steps independently Poor standing balance, falls frequently Walks on toes Doesn’t pull to stand Can’t crawl to climb...
Developmental Milestones for 9-12months Crawling action mastered and transitions in and out of many positions Pulling to stand Standing without support Cruises along furniture May start walking Act early and talk to your healthcare provider if: Difficulty getting to stand because of stiff legs and pointed toes Only uses arms to pull up...
Developmental Milestones for 3-6 Months Rolls both ways Usually front to back first Starting to sit, first supported, then may be able to sit on their own using hands for support Babbling and making noises Accepts weight through legs in supported standing Plays with feet when on their back Reaches for...
The importance of playgrounds is often underappreciated for children's development, both in terms of motor skills and social skills. Playgrounds assist with sequence of movement planning, for example going down the slide requires the child to plan the best route up to the top of the...