Kids are like a little whirlwind of energy all day! From rolling over to crawling, standing, and finally walking, they have zoomed through those early milestones. Now, it feels like parents need eyes in the back of their heads to keep up with their non-stop movement as they explore every corner of the home.
Remember all those hours spent hunched over, holding hands of little babies as they took those first wobbly steps? Parents were there every step of the way, ready to catch them if they stumbled.
With children now confidently on the move during their preschool years, parents might feel like they have reached the finish line of toddler development. But guess what? There is one crucial area to focus on that will help little ones thrive in all future stages: core strength and stability!
Working on core strength is not just for grown-ups. It is essential for kids too! Building these muscles helps them with balance, coordination, and even fine motor skills. Plus, a strong core supports all their active play and keeps them safe from falls.
So, parents should get ready to incorporate fun activities that boost a preschool-age kid’s core strength into their daily routine.
Strengthening kids core muscles, which include the hips, belly, and back, can have a profound impact on their overall development. As children work to build up these important muscle groups, they gain the stability and control needed to master a wide range of skills. With a strong core, they can better develop their fine and gross motor abilities, learning to coordinate their movements with greater precision. This core strength also supports higher-level balance and coordination, allowing them to try new physical challenges with confidence.
But the benefits of a strong core go beyond just the physical realm. The core muscles provide a sense of security and calmness within the body, which can positively influence kids' emotional regulation. When a child feels grounded and centered, they are better equipped to manage their feelings and behaviors. Interestingly, core strength even supports hand-eye coordination and speech/language development. A stable base helps to hold up the heavy head, enabling the eyes to track and focus more effectively. This, in turn, can facilitate improved communication skills as the child progresses.
Hold your child’s ankles as they "walk" on their hands. If they find it challenging, hold it closer to their knees for extra support. Ensure they keep their core stable and avoid twisting as they move.
This classic game is excellent for stretching and holding various body positions, which strengthens core muscles. Additionally, pressing through open palms enhances hand strength.
Sitting and bouncing on a therapy ball activates and energizes the muscles along the spine. Rocking side to side or back and forth also engages and strengthens core muscles further.
This fun activity is a great core and balance exercise. Kids will enjoy bouncing without realizing they are working out. It strengthens muscles along the spine and enhances hand strength.
Simply sitting on a swing and holding on builds hand and arm strength. It also exercises the core and provides valuable sensory input through movement.
The crab walk is fantastic for core strength. In limited space, children lift their legs while in the crab position. Introduce a game by having them kick a balloon or punch balloon on a string to keep them engaged and active.
Kids lie on their bellies with their arms and legs extended straight out. Only their belly touches the floor, creating a slight curve in the lower back. This exercise is great for strengthening the lower back and core.
Kids lie on their backs and bring their knees up to their chests. They lift their heads off the floor and hug their knees, balancing on their lower back. This move is excellent for core strength and balance.
This upper body and core strengthener has kids lie on their bellies and use their elbows to pull themselves forward. It is easy to incorporate into an obstacle course for added fun.
This exercise requires coordination and strength. Kids sit with their hands and feet flat on the floor, belly facing up, and lift their bottoms off the ground. Moving in this position engages the entire body.
Kids straighten their arms and legs, lifting their bottoms into the air. This position requires more muscle work and can be made fun of by asking them to be silent "baby bears."
Kids sit with their legs straight out in front and lean back onto their hands. They lift their legs and cross them over and under each other, which strengthens the abdominal muscles.