Milestones in Fine and Gross Motor Skills in Toddlers
Watching your toddler grow is an exciting journey. From the first time they grip your finger to the moment they start running across the living room, each movement marks a milestone.
Understanding the difference between fine and gross motor skills helps you support your child’s development and spot any early concerns. In this blog post, we’ll explore what these skills are, the typical milestones by age, how Jamaican parents can support them at home, and when to seek extra help.
What Are Fine and Gross Motor Skills?
Let’s start with the basics.
Fine Motor Skills
These involve small movements using hands, fingers, and wrists. They help your child grasp, hold, pinch, and manipulate objects.
Examples:
- Holding a spoon
- Turning book pages
- Stacking blocks
- Drawing with crayons
Gross Motor Skills
These involve larger movements using arms, legs, and the whole body. They help with balance, coordination, and strength.
Examples:
- Crawling
- Walking
- Running
- Climbing
- Jumping
Both are essential for independence, school readiness, and everyday tasks.
Motor Skill Milestones by Age
Every toddler develops at their own pace. But here are general guidelines to help you track progress.
12 to 18 Months
Gross Motor:
- Pulling up to stand
- Taking first steps
- Walking while holding furniture (cruising)
- Crawling up stairs
Fine Motor:
- Picking up small items using thumb and forefinger
- Putting objects into a container
- Turning pages in board books (a few at a time)
- Banging two objects together
How to support them:
- Let them walk safely barefoot indoors
- Offer stackable toys and soft balls
- Sit and play with blocks together
18 to 24 Months
Gross Motor:
- Walking without help
- Squatting to pick up toys
- Beginning to run
- Climbing on and off furniture
Fine Motor:
- Building towers with 3-4 blocks
- Scribbling with crayons
- Feeding themselves with fingers or a spoon
- Opening cabinets and drawers
How to support them:
- Create obstacle courses with pillows and cushions
- Let them draw with chunky crayons
- Provide containers with lids for practicing opening and closing
2 to 3 Years
Gross Motor:
- Running with more control
- Kicking a ball
- Throwing a ball overhead
- Jumping with both feet
Fine Motor:
- Turning doorknobs
- Beginning to dress with assistance
- Stringing large beads
- Using safety scissors
How to support them:
- Dance and move to music together
- Offer simple puzzles
- Let them help with small tasks like stirring or pouring (with supervision)
3 to 4 Years
Gross Motor:
- Pedaling a tricycle
- Climbing ladders and jungle gyms
- Walking up and down stairs with alternating feet
- Catching a large ball
Fine Motor:
- Drawing circles and crosses
- Holding a pencil with better control
- Buttoning large buttons
- Building towers of 9 or more blocks
How to support them:
- Take them to a safe playground
- Play “Simon Says” with movement directions
- Practice with lacing cards and chunky puzzles
4 to 5 Years
Gross Motor:
- Hopping on one foot
- Skipping or galloping
- Controlling ball throws with aim
- Balancing on one foot for a few seconds
Fine Motor:
- Copying shapes and some letters
- Using a fork properly
- Cutting with child-safe scissors
- Drawing people with heads, bodies, and limbs
How to support them:
- Let them help prepare meals (spreading, stirring, etc.)
- Use craft time to improve hand strength
- Practice writing their name in fun ways (sand, chalk, finger paints)
How Play Supports Motor Skills
Play is not just fun—it’s the best way to build motor skills.
Try these play-based activities:
For Gross Motor Skills:
- Ball games (kick, catch, throw)
- Running races in the yard
- Jumping games like hopscotch
- Climbing stairs and jungle gyms
For Fine Motor Skills:
- Puzzles and matching games
- Playing with playdough
- Drawing and coloring
- Stringing beads or pasta
Encourage them to explore, get messy, and use both sides of their body.
Real-Life Challenges Jamaican Parents Face
Let’s keep it real. Supporting motor development isn’t always easy.
Limited Safe Play Spaces
Not all communities have parks or playgrounds. Use what you have at home.
Tip: Turn your veranda into a play area with mats, cushions, and toys.
Lack of Time
Busy work schedules mean less time to engage with your child. But every moment counts.
Tip: Use chores as play—let them carry light items, sweep with a child-sized broom, or water plants.
Concerns About Safety
Some parents worry about kids falling or getting hurt.
Tip: Allow supervised risk-taking. Climbing, balancing, and jumping help develop strength and confidence.
When to Seek Help
Talk to your pediatrician if you notice:
- Your child isn’t walking by 18 months
- They can’t hold or use small objects by 2 years
- They regularly fall or bump into things
- They avoid physical activity or tire quickly
- Their hand coordination seems far behind their peers
Early intervention can make a big difference.
The Role of Daycare in Motor Skill Development
A quality daycare supports motor skill growth daily.
At Sun City Wonderland Daycare, we provide:
- Age-appropriate equipment for climbing, balancing, and building
- Daily routines that include movement and fine motor activities
- Hands-on learning stations for art, puzzles, and pretend play
- Caring staff who guide children through motor challenges
We focus on both gross and fine motor skills as part of your child’s overall development.
Practical Tips for Parents
Support motor development at home with these easy activities:
- Stacking: Give your child plastic cups or blocks to build towers
- Pouring: Use water and cups for practicing hand-eye coordination
- Sorting: Use beans or buttons to sort by color or size
- Throwing games: Use soft balls for indoor tossing fun
- Dance sessions: Play reggae, soca, or gospel music and move together
Make it fun, and don’t stress about perfection. Celebrate small victories.
Long-Term Benefits of Motor Skill Development
Developing strong motor skills early in life sets the stage for future success.
Benefits include:
- Greater independence in dressing and feeding
- Better focus and behavior in school
- Stronger muscles and posture
- Improved confidence and emotional resilience
Every little step your child takes prepares them for bigger leaps ahead.
Ready to Support Your Toddler’s Growth?
At Sun City Wonderland Daycare in Ocho Rios, we’re committed to nurturing your child’s milestones—one step, one grasp, and one giggle at a time.
Call or WhatsApp us today at (876) 847-2966, email us at suncitywonderland876@gmail.com, or visit suncitywonderland.com and click the “enroll now” button to register.
Let’s build strong little minds and bodies together.
