Why is movement so important in the first years of life?

In the first three years of life, the following develop very rapidly:

• muscle strength;
• balance;
• coordination;
• sensory perception;
• movement planning;
• hand-eye coordination;
• communication and social skills.

Research shows that early movement activities help develop not only motor skills, but also a child's cognitive and emotional skills.

The most important thing — don't overload the child

For young children, exercises should be:

• short;
• playful;
• regular;
• adapted to the child's abilities.

If the child becomes tired, cries or loses interest, a break is needed. Development does not happen through force.

Ideas for everyday activities for children aged 0–6 months

At this age, movement and sensory experience are very important.

Tummy time

Place the baby on their tummy for a short while several times a day.

This helps to:

• strengthen the neck and back muscles;
• prepare for rolling and crawling skills;
• improve head control.

Research shows that regular "tummy time" supports motor development.

Games with faces and voices

• talking;
• singing;
• smiles;
• eye contact;
• slow facial movements.

This helps develop:

• attention;
• communication;
• emotional security.

Grasping objects

You can use:

• soft cloths;
• rattles;
• toys of different textures.

The child practises:

• grasping;
• hand movements;
• coordination.

Ideas for activities for children aged 6–12 months

At this time the child becomes more active and starts to move more on their own.

Reaching for toys

Place a toy a little further away so that the child:

• reaches;
• rolls;
• tries to crawl.

This helps develop movement planning and coordination.

Games in a sitting position

If the child can sit with support or independently:

• roll a ball;
• stack blocks;
• play "take and give".

This helps to:

• for balance;
• for hand coordination;
• for social interaction.

Sensory play

You can use:

• water;
• fabrics;
• balls;
• soft brushes;
• various textures.

Sensory experience helps the child get to know their body and surroundings better.

Ideas for activities for children aged 1–2 years

At this age, children become more mobile and learn a great deal through imitation.

Climbing and obstacle courses

At home you can use:

• cushions;
• blankets;
• boxes;
• mattresses.

The child can:

• step over;
• crawl;
• wriggle through;
• climb.

This develops:

• balance;
• strength;
• coordination.

Games with balls

• rolling;
• throwing;
• catching;
• kicking.

Ball games help develop hand-eye coordination.

Moving objects around

The child can:

• putting blocks into a box;
• moving objects from one place to another;
• sorting toys.

This develops fine motor skills and concentration.

Ideas for activities for children aged 2–3 years

At this age, children become much more independent and take a more active part in everyday life.

Drawing and colouring

You can use:

• large crayons;
• finger paints;
• magnetic boards.

This helps develop:

• hand movements;
• grasping;
• creativity.

Dancing and movement games

• music;
• clapping;
• jumping;
• imitating movements.

This helps develop rhythm, balance and body control.

Simple everyday tasks

The child can:

• carrying light objects;
• helping to tidy up toys;
• sweeping;
• stirring dough.

Research shows that taking part in everyday activities helps develop a child's independence and self-confidence.

What matters for children with motor disabilities?

Activities should be adapted individually for each child.

It is important to:

• ensure a comfortable position;
• use the necessary assistive devices;
• watch for the child's tiredness;
• do exercises regularly, but keep them short;
• celebrate small achievements.

Sometimes even a small amount of progress is very significant.

Parents don't have to be therapists

Many parents worry about whether they are doing enough. Yet what matters most for a child's development is precisely a safe and loving everyday life — play, touch, conversation and time spent together.

Perfect sessions or complicated exercises are not necessary. Far more important are regularity, patience and the child's sense that they are being encouraged.

Development happens in the small everyday moments

A young child does not learn only in therapy or sessions. They learn every time they are picked up, cuddled, put on the floor to play, invited to move, or laugh and explore the world together with their parents.

It is precisely these small everyday moments that form the foundation of a child's development.