Fine and Gross Motor Development Periods in Children

Child development from motor comes in a predictable form with fine motor skills being the objects able to pin their finger to the wall as well as gross motor skills being those able to swing the whole body.

The gross motor skills are the first to develop and thus, infants are able to lift head up (0-3 months), sit (6-8 months), crawl (8-10 months) and walk (12-18 months). At 3-5 years old, children perfect such developmental skills as running, jumping and balancing. The fine motor skills are more delayed with the older child demonstrating grasping of objects (3-6 months), pincer grasps (9-12 months), scribbling (2-3 years), and other more specific movements such as buttoning clothes or using the scissors (4-6 years). Both kinds of development rely on genetics, environment and practice opportunities.

Child development is very important for mothers and fathers and even for the future of this country. It is in our hands to raise moral individuals and individuals without childhood trauma and to equip them in the best way. One thing to do for this is to increase children's fine and gross motor development from infancy. We are here with this topic.

Motor development is defined as the changes that occur in human movements throughout life. In parallel with growth and the development of the central nervous system, the organism acquires voluntary movements and becomes better able to control the functioning of its organs (Kovar et al., 2011). Motor development is generally divided into two: gross and fine motor skills. These terms are used to classify movements and describe progress or regression in motor development (Payne and Isaacs, 2016).

Gross motor skills include movements that require the use of large muscle groups, such as crawling, walking, running and cycling. Fine motor skills are skills that involve more sensitive and smaller muscle groups, such as grasping objects, lifting, holding a crayon or pencil, and threading a sewing needle (Bee and Boyd, 2009).

There is a common misconception that these skills develop only as a result of the maturation process and are little affected by environmental factors. Although maturation plays an important role in the development of basic motor skills, it is not the only determinant. Motor development is shaped by the individual's biological characteristics (such as heredity and maturation) and environmental factors. The movement opportunities offered in the child's environment (such as toys, swing sets, climbing ladders) can directly affect motor development (Kovar et al., 2011).

The development of motor movements requires the individual's different parts of their body to work in harmony. This coordination development becomes more competent with physical maturity and exercises. Psychomotor development is a lifelong process and includes changes in physical structure and neuromuscular functions. It also includes the acquisition, reduction and balancing of motor skills. Motor skills are divided into movement categories such as speed, balance, coordination and strength. Psychomotor development includes physical development while also using cognitive processes (Guillaume, 1999).

Motor skills are one of the most important parts of physical development in infancy and childhood. These skills are divided into two categories: gross motor and fine motor. Gross motor skills involve large muscle groups, while fine motor skills involve small muscle movements. In this article, we will discuss the stages of motor development in infancy and childhood and suggestions for parents to support development.

Gross motor skills involve movements using the body's large muscle groups. These skills help babies increase their mobility and maintain their balance.

Gross Motor Development in Infancy and Childhood

• 0-3 Months: Holding the head up for a short time, moving the arms and legs.

• 4-6 Months: Sitting with support, lifting the body with the arms in the stomach position.

• 7-9 Months: Sitting without support, crawling, trying to stand.

• 10-12 Months: Taking steps holding on to furniture, walking a few steps.

• 1-2 Years: Walking, running, climbing stairs.

• 3-5 Years: Jumping, standing on one foot, kicking the ball.

Activities to Support Gross Motor Development

✔ Tummy Time: Strengthen the neck and back muscles by laying the baby on his stomach.
✔ Crawling Games: Play with toys that encourage the baby to move.
✔ Walking Exercises: Have him take steps by holding on, avoid using a walker.
✔ Park and Garden Activities: Encourage him to do movements such as running, jumping, and climbing.

Fine motor skills are movements that require coordination of the hand and finger muscles. These skills are important for daily activities such as writing, using forks and spoons, and buttoning buttons.

Fine Motor Development in Infancy and Childhood

• 0-6 Months: Opening and closing hands, grasping objects.

• 6-12 Months: Holding small objects with thumb and index finger (pincer grasp).

• 1-2 Years: Holding a pencil, stacking blocks.

• 2-3 Years: Using scissors, drawing simple lines.

• 4-5 Years: Writing, buttoning, opening and closing zippers.

Activities to Support Fine Motor Development

✔ Grasping Games: Play with soft toys, rings and large beads.
✔ Playing with Blocks: Have your child stack small blocks on top of each other.
✔ Paint and Pencil Activities: Let them scribble with finger paint, crayons and pencils.
✔ Using Scissors: Have them practice cutting paper (with safety scissors).
✔ Threading Beads: Practice stringing colored beads on a string.

Allow Free Play Time: Allow children to explore and move.

Balanced Nutrition: Provide foods rich in calcium, protein and vitamins for muscle and bone development.

Limit Screen Time: Excessive tablet/phone use can slow down motor development.

Get Routine Checkups: If there is a delay in motor development, consult a specialist.

Be patient and supportive: Every child's developmental pace is different, do not pressure.

Motor skills are critical to a child’s physical and cognitive development. Offering age-appropriate activities to support gross and fine motor development will help the child become a self-confident and independent individual. Parents should encourage their children to increase their mobility and monitor their development.

Remember: Every child develops at their own pace. The important thing is to make the process enjoyable and supportive!