ErinoakKids Handouts
Balance and Stability
Balance and stability skills are fundamental components of motor development and functional movement. They refer to the ability to maintain control of our body position in space, whether staying still (stationary) or moving (dynamic). Balance and stability skills are needed for everyday functional activities such as sitting or standing still, managing steps and stairs, and walking over uneven terrain.Balance Suggestions Handout
Motor Coordination
Motor coordination is the ability of the body to execute smooth, accurate, and controlled movements. We use our coordination skills to support daily activities and everyday function, such as being able to engage in play and navigate one’s environment. Coordination can include hand-eye coordination i.e. catching a ball, foot-eye coordination i.e. kicking a ball, bilateral coordination i.e. using both hands, and both fine and gross motor coordination i.e. using small and large muscles for tasks like drawing or walking. Coordination Suggestions Handout
Gross Motor Skills
Gross motor skills are the ability to make movements using the large muscles in our body, including our arms, legs and torso (core). We use gross motor skills to perform activities such as standing, walking, running, jumping, throwing, kicking, etc. to support function and participation at home, school, work, and within everyday life.
Ball Skills Handout
Jumping and Hopping Handout
External Resources
Explore our collection of external resources that may help guide you through some areas of concern.
Intoeing
Pediatric intoeing, often called "pigeon toed," is when a child's feet turn inward while walking and/or running. This is a relatively common condition in young children and can be caused by various factors, including the position of the feet, legs, and/or hips.
What you Need to Know: Intoeing
Joint Hypermobility
Pediatric joint hypermobility is a condition where a child's joints move beyond the typical range of motion. This flexibility can sometimes lead to joint pain, more frequent injuries and potential difficulty with certain physical activities. Some children may benefit from general exercises to strengthen their muscles and support their joints.
Joint Hypermobility
Encouraging Time Outdoors
Encouraging children to spend more time outside can improve their physical health, boost their mood and enhance their creativity.
Helping your Child/Youth Spend More Time Outdoors
Tummy Time
Infant tummy time is a wonderful way to support your baby's growth. By placing baby on their tummy while they are awake and supervised, you help them build strong neck, shoulder, and arm muscles. These muscles are important for gross motor skills like rolling over, sitting up, and crawling. Tummy time also encourages development of these skills and helps prevent flat spots on their head.
Tummy Time: An Important Part of a Baby's Daily Routine
Tummy Time: Activities to Strengthen Baby
W-Sitting
"W-sitting" is when children sit on the floor with their legs bent out to the sides in the shape of a "W." While generally not concerning, this position when sustained can put extra stress on a child’s hips, knees, and ankles, potentially affecting their posture and muscle development over time.
W-Sitting
Idiopathic Toe Walking
Idiopathic toe walking is when children walk on their toes without any known underlying reason beyond the age of 3 years old. While many children do outgrow this habit naturally, persistent toe walking can sometimes affect ankle range of motion, foot development and balance and muscle development.
Foot and Ankle: Idiopathic Toe Walking
These resources are provided for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment, provided by a qualified health-care provider. ErinoakKids is not responsible for the content, privacy policies and terms of use of any external websites we link.
