How to help your toddler learn to use scissors
For your 2-year-old, scissor practice supports fine motor skills and has cognitive benefits as well. Here's how to introduce scissors safely.
Motor Skills
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Pre-writing activities for your 2-year-old
Here are 5 OT-approved fine motor activities that build hand muscle strength and control—which helps prepare your 2-year-old to grasp and use a pencil.
Every toddler learns to walk at their own pace
Many toddlers are still working on taking their first steps at this age. You can help your toddler build their pre-walking skills with standing and crawling activities. In this post: When children begin to walk varies widely—from before 9 months to 18 months of age. A simple activity to develop balance Help your new or … Continued
Preparing to take their first steps
Many children won't walk independently until 13 to 15 months or later, but your baby may already be working on the skills needed for this exciting milestone: pulling up to stand, lowering back down, cruising, and more.
Crawling on all fours strengthens your baby’s body and brain
About half of all babies crawl by 8 or 9 months, but for others, it takes longer—and some skip the crawling stage altogether. Experts recommend encouraging this motor skill that requires both sides of your baby’s brain and body to work in sync. In this post: “Some babies skip crawling, but it’s important to make … Continued
Learning to sit (hint: it doesn’t happen in a baby seat)
Sitting develops in stages, like all milestones—and there’s no need to rush it. More time on the floor is better than sitting in a baby seat for helping your baby improve strength and balance. In this post: Side-lying provides balance and core work When your baby plays on their side, it’s easy for them to … Continued
The secret sauce for back-to-belly rolling
Rolling from back to belly is a skill that emerges from 3 to 5 months, but your baby is laying the groundwork for it now. Here’s exactly how to encourage this skill. In this post: Get your baby ready to roll Where the head goes, the body will follow. A fun plaything such as the … Continued
The No. 1 place for playtime: the floor
Side-lying, kicking, hand discovery. Your baby is already laying the foundation for major milestones like rolling over and crawling. Here’s what motor skills experts want you to pay attention to right now. In this post: Side-lying brings hand awareness Use the Standing Card Holder with the Black & White Cards to engage your little one … Continued
An expert strategy for helping your toddler climb, balance, and more
Specific verbal feedback can help your toddler tune into their body as they tackle a new physical challenge.
Building a strong pencil grip: 3 fun art tools and activities for toddlers
These ideas help your toddler move from a fisted grip to one that uses the strength of their fingers and thumb.