By Hannah Fairburn Uncategorized 18 March 2020

Balance

The what, how and why in 2-5 year olds

By Hannah Fairburn, Occupational Therapist

What is balance?

Balance is a skill to used when we need to maintain a controlled body position when completing day to day tasks. This could occur when walking on a balance beam, stepping onto different surfaces or even sitting at a table. There are two types of balance we need to consider to be able to move and function effectively across all environments.

Static balance: The ability to hold a stationary position while maintaining control, for example standing or sitting
Dynamic balance: The ability to maintain balance while moving through positions for example walking

Why is balance so important?

Balance is an important step to achieving age appropriate success in most sporting games, physical activities and even activities of daily living such as getting dressed and getting in and out of the car. Children who can master balance have more opportunity to:

improve choice and control about what they will do and how they will do it. I can get dressed today by myself, I am going to walk around the park, I am going to ride to school
particpate and self-regulate in sporting events, developing social networks Following this, there is less chance for injuries and accidents (e.g. falling over)
and improve postures during desk-based tasks resulting in benefits with fine motor skills

Age	Appropriate Developmental Milestones
2 – 3 years	Climbs well Runs easily Goes up and down stairs, feet together Pedals tricycle Jumps with two feet Throws over-arm Kicks a ball
3 – 4 years	Hops (immature) Stands on one foot for ~2seconds Goes up and down stairs, alternating feet Catches a bounced ball Cuts and mashes own food Can write some letters Ride a bike with training wheels Keeps up with other children running/over uneven ground
5 years	Stands on one foot for ~ 10seconds Hops, possibly skips Swings and climbs Can use the toilet independently Uses a fork, knife an spoon Draws a person Rides a bike with training wheels Somesaults

How might I notice my child is finding balance tricky?

Difficulty getting dressed standing up
Difficulty balancing on beams or playing hopscotch
Difficulty walking across different terrain, for example steps, kerbs, uneven surfaces
Trouble getting in and out of the bath/shower or standing up off the toilet without needing to hold onto handrail
Difficulty recovering from off balance falls such as tripping
Avoidance of activities requiring full body movements such as sporting games or playground play
Slower to reach milestones or master skills such as bike riding or kicking a ball
Becoming nervous playing new games or on new playground equipment
Getting tired faster than their peers
Slouching at the desk when participating in school-based tasks (not because of boredom!)

So if my child doesnt develop their balance skills…. what might happen?

Poor self esteem may develop as your child is not able to perform to the same expectations as their peers or keep up with their peers
They may have difficulty participating in social events such as birthday parties or sporting games which can result in isolation and limit opportunities to engage
They may have difficulty with fine motor skills
It may limit what your child can play with and how they can play with their friends, which again limits opportunity

What should I do if I am worried?

Firstly you can check out our Instagram for different ideas and activities to help your child build the necessary skills for balance.

Or, if you prefer you can have a chat with one of our lovely OT’s or physios on the phone, 6112 2977 for our Mount Hawthorn clinic or 9308 7722 for our Hillarys clinic.

If you prefer to come in for us to check out your child’s balance, this will be a shorter than normal appointment (45mins) – reception can help you book via the phone numbers above or at [email protected]

Balance – what is it and why is it important?

Balance

The what, how and why in 2-5 year olds

Age

Appropriate Developmental Milestones

Related Posts

Leave a comment Cancel reply