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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

Almost 3 yr old - running, jumping, standing on one leg ...

14 replies

wishingchair · 19/09/2005 11:27

My DD can't seem to do any of them really well!!! She'll be 3 in December and has been walking since she was about 13 months old. She's happy, bright, loves dancing, climbing, etc. But when she runs it's more of a fast trot with both feet never leaving the ground at the same time. Likewise, jumping she kind of does by hopping from one foot to the other, and she can't really balance on one leg without holding on to something.

I've no idea if this is normal or something I shoudl be concerned about. Other children her age do seem to be able to run etc. My mum says I was a late developer in this area and I don't have any mobility/balance problems so maybe she's the same?

Any advice/experience would be welcome. x

OP posts:

scotlou · 19/09/2005 11:31

I think it's pretty normal. My dd has a very awkward looking run (she was 3 in August). What has helped my dd with jumping and balancing is a pre-school gym class. She can now jump very well - loves trampolining! - and is learning to balance too.

QueenOfQuotes · 19/09/2005 11:33

DS1 (5) still runs rather 'oddly', jumping he's pretty good at now, but only really mastered once he was already 3, and standing on one leg only came earlier this year (and now it's still wobbly).

clary · 19/09/2005 11:35

wishingchair she may just be a late developer but I would expect a 3yo to be able to jump, both feet off the ground. My older 2 could do it at 2.5, ds2 could do it at 2 but then he is very big on gross motor.
Similarly with standing on one leg, though hopiing may be much later (ds1 was 4.5, but I think he has had some issues with balance).
Is it worth asking your GP or HV to check her? If physio or simialr would help then the earlier you start the better.

clary · 19/09/2005 11:35

btw second scotlou's rec of a pre-school gym class, certainly helped my ds1 and ds2 lurrrrrves it!

QueenOfQuotes · 19/09/2005 11:36

but clary - WC's DD isn't 3 yet! Not for another couple of months!

piffle · 19/09/2005 11:38

She's the same as my dd!!!! 3 next month!
Physio says it will come in good time when she feels safe doing it....

clary · 19/09/2005 11:46

no indeed QoQ, I was just saying what to watch out for I guess. A 3yo should be able to jump unless there is some other issue re mobility. It?s worth being aware of what yr child ?should? be able to do I think.
Sorry not trying to be prophet of doom but developmental milestones do have a purpose (just don't get too hung up on them).

Lucycat · 19/09/2005 12:00

My dd2 goes to 'Mini-movers' a scheme run by the council where they get to climb, jump, play with balls, hoops etc and it's not at all pretentious cos it's a council run thingy. Only problem is that my dd is now SUPER confident and has no fear - not sure which is more concerning

It might be worth investigating if there's something similar near you. Try googling it!
hth

clary · 19/09/2005 12:10

yeah lucycat ours is called Springtots and DS2 is in hog heaven! It?s fab and as you say, council-run so not snotty or icky at all.

QueenOfQuotes · 19/09/2005 12:16

Apparently Tumble Tots don't expect them to be able to jump until they're 3. I know lots of children who weren't able to jump properly until well into their 3rd year.

Original poster

wishingchair · 19/09/2005 15:15

Thanks everyone - I'm a bit calmer about this/bit more worried depending on which message I read!

DD is starting a sports program at nursery on Wednesday so hopefully that will encourage her. Will give her till she's closer to 3 then pay a visit to HV if no progress.

But am glad to hear she's not totally unusual and there's some hope for her!

OP posts:

clary · 20/09/2005 23:46

wishingchair, hope my posts haven't worried you, certainly not my intention.
Just I know a few cautionary tales which always make me wary of posting "no don't worry, it's all fine" - if you feel it may not be then it's worth asking the health professionals.
But fwiw I'm sure qoq is right and you don't need to worry.

Flum · 20/09/2005 23:58

Have you tried practising with her? proably stupid question.

majorstress · 21/09/2005 00:50

my dd1 couldn't do any of that either, I mentioned it and a nursery staff key worker took her in hand and did low balance beams forward rolls etc., with all of them but made sure dd1 got attention (which she craves) for her efforts. We occasionally did balancing in the garden too. This week age just 5 she was the only one in her class at school who could already do a forward roll, and showed the rest! so a little attention can go a long way. just a little though, try not to let on your worries to her.

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