How on earth are you supposed to teach someone how to jump?!

[Ilythia]

DD2 is 3.1 and still cannot jump. She has done it once (mid tantrum, so could not work on it) but when she tries she just goes on tiptoe and that's it.
She is starting to get really frustrated with not being able to while all her friends/sister bounce around her.
I am trying to help her but have no clue where to start. We can't afford/doint have room for a trampoline.
Any ideas?

[lifeinagoldfishbowl]

Can you jump on the sofa/bed

[thumbwitch]

Do you have a sofa? or a bed? I'd help her jump on that, if I were you.

Also, help her jump off things so she gets the idea of bending her knees when she lands - and then you can explain to her that jumping requires bending the knees to push up from the floor, and to land comfortably.

And perhaps consider asking the GP if it's normal for her not to be able to jump - I'm sure it's fine but just in case, next time you're there.

[Ilythia]

Thanks! I have asked teh HV bfore but she is so physically able (she's a climber), and is asctually able to do more than her 4.10yo sister, just not jumping the HV wasn't particularly concerned, although this was 6 months ago. LIke I say, she can do it, I have seen it mid tantrum, she just doesn't know she can iyswim
She does the bend your knees and stand up quickly to jump thing on the bed/sofa with me holding her hands and gets a bit of air, but the second I don't hold her she just goes on tiptoe and shouts 'I JUMPING!'
Then DD1 takes the mick because she isn't, I tell her off, and it all descends into farce...

Nursery aren't too bothered, she's a stubborn little thing and they can see how physcially able she normally is (for example she will not potty train even though she is obviously ready) it would just stop so many arguments if she could

[thumbwitch]

Also, when you're out walking, try getting her to jump in puddles etc. while she's holding your hand, so that you can help her with the lift - she might get it.

I suppose having a word with your DD1 wouldn't work, would it (telling her to keep quiet about it) ... might help if she wasn't "under pressure", so to speak.

I remember the stage you are talking about - DS did that just before he started jumping properly - then he was jumping from one foot only, then it progressed to both. Also, get her to practise dancing, skipping and (jumping) round the room.

HTH!

[1percentawake]

DD (3.6) couldn't jump until fairly recently (hypotonia and hypermobility being the reasons why!).

We got a small toddler trampoline from ELC with a handle which helped her to develop the muscles needed to jump. They aren't that expensive or alternatively try tumble tots or soft play where they might have a trampoline?

[scurryfunge]

Agree with trampoline idea but remember there is no GCSE in Jumping. If she is reaching all other milestones then I wouldn't worry too much.


Have you tried a jump marker on a wall? Measure where she can reach up with one hand naturally and give incentives for every extra inch she can reach (by jumping hopefully!).

[thumbwitch]

aha - 1percentawake has clarified the vague niggle in the back of my mind.

Tumble tots does have a child trampoline as part of its equipment, and I loved taking DS there, but if money is tight, you'd probably get better value buying her her own - when I was in the UK last year, it was £6.50 a session plus the membership fee.

OTOH if she has other strength/co-ordination ishoos, then Tumbletots might be better (as well as good fun)

[CuppaTeaJanice]

Contact your local gym (I mean leotard and pommel horse type gym, not the sweaty men on running machines type!) to see if they have any pre school classes, or mother and toddler free play sessions.

There will be lots of ways to practice jumping there - trampolines, bouncy castle, foam pits etc.

[Ilythia]

Thanks guys, all great advice. I work full time so don't have time anymore to take her to gym places etc but FIL and my mum both have toddler trampolines. As long as I can stop DD1 monopolising it then shall keep her going with that.

DD1 is only 4.11 so she is slowly getting the idea not to be a mean big sister unfortunately for her DD2 is quite physical and will rugby tackle her if she feels she is being picked on...

[DreamTeamGirl]

I have to say my DS was almost 4 before he could jump. It was quiter bizarre actually cos he could do everythign else, but jumping just didnt come

he is 5.9 now and jumps just fine

[Ilythia]

thanks dreamteam, it's just weird that she can't!

[MintChocAddict]

DS almost 4 has only started jumping properly in the last few months. Moved from foot to foot before but had never managed both leaving the ground at once. It did concern me slightly.
Fast forward a few months and he jumps on and off everything. Chairs, tables, beds etc. Bounces around on the floor constantly. It's driving me mad!

I'm sure it'll come with time.

[honeybeetree]

we have 4-5 year old reception children who can't jump I wouldn't worry yet...

[oddgirl]

Dont worry-jumping is actually a very complex motor skill which requires a lot of planning and co-ordination to do. First step is jumping on the spot-the fact she can do this subconsciously (ie tantruming!) suggests she has the motor skill to do it, she just cant do it as a voluntary response yet but it will come in time. Sadly not much you can do except wait-jumping with both feet froma step is actually a later stage than jumpimg on the spot so wait til she has accomplished jumping up and down before attempting that!Whilst trampolies etc are great, they dont actually do much as this is a reflex action which just comes with continued development and can occur anytime between about 2-5 years...also no-one has ever asked me when I first jumped on a job application...
HTH

[Ilythia]

Thanks guys. I know it's not a big thing, and no-one will care, but the pedant in me can't ' handle anymore 'look mummy, I JUMPING' when she is actually just going on tiptoe....

Will bite my lip a bit more

[mathanxiety]

Some exercises you can have her do to work on her bilateral co-ordination/ gross motor skills/ using alternate sides of her brain.

And be careful what you wish for...

[mathanxiety]

Obv the jumping over things and into hoops not appropriate here, but stepping using first one leg and then the other promotes awareness of different legs, control of different legs.