You probably already know that physical activity is substantial for the development of your child. However, you might have questions when it comes to teaching children some concrete skills, such as rolling, jumping, and climbing. It’s not uncommon for some kids to feel shy or afraid of trying out something new. In this article, you will learn about the importance of jumping and how to teach your kid to jump properly.
Why is jumping important for children?
Jumping is a beneficial activity for all ages, and it’s an important milestone in your kids’ physical development. There are many reasons why it should be practiced by children as soon as they are able:
- it burns calories, helping kids regulate body weight
- it benefits the circulation of oxygen, helping children grow healthy
- it strengthens their heart and cardiovascular health
- it helps kids develop motor and spatial coordination
- it’s beneficial for bone density and development
- it benefits leg muscle, knee, and joint strength
- it stimulates the brain centers for balance
- it helps improve posture
- it boosts their mood and sense of vitality
- it can bring them loads of fun and excitement
How to teach your child to jump?
Now that you know more about the specific benefits of jumping for kids, you may wonder about specific ways to help your little one master this skill. First and foremost, you should consider their age and general physical prowess, and check the following tips:
Take small steps
Your child should be ready to try out some jumping around 16 – 18 months old. While some kids might seem to be naturally prone to jump and take long leaps, you might wish to curb their enthusiasm and keep them safe. On the other hand, there are many kids that are afraid of heights and jumping from one surface to another. Whatever is their inclination, your focus as a parent or teacher should be on providing the necessary guidance and encouragement. Start small and help the kids learn more about:
- how they use their joints,
- how to position the soles of their feet,
- how to squat,
- let them get on their toes, how to position their arms when jumping
Jump rope
Jumping rope is a game that develops speed and coordination and the difficulty can be adjusted to the skill of your child. You can vary the complexity and use different additions, including hula hoops, basketballs, etc.
Use various surfaces and environments
You may consider using different surfaces where kids jump, from sand, grass, rugs, and yoga mats, to rubber playground surfaces. Trampolines are another great tool to practice jumping and coordination. For example, your child might learn how to make different figures mid-air, how to land properly, and how to control their balance. You can also practice some of the techniques in water, but make sure that kids don’t get hurt while jumping in the water.
Imitate different animals
Kids love to play games where they imitate different animals, so this can help them imagine different techniques for jumping. For example, they can try to jump like a frog, kangaroo, rabbit, gazelle, horse, etc. You can create a game where you combine this with other skills, such as climbing, crawling, running, and hurling. Even better, you can make kids work in teams and learn from each other.
Measure their progress
Whatever they do, don’t forget to put them to a challenge. Children are naturally competitive and will work hard to beat their own record, especially when they are old enough to understand measurement. Track their progress and, if possible, set weekly and monthly goals. This will keep your child motivated to keep jumping and improving his or her technique.
