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A Balancing Act
Helping Toddlers Find Their Center of Gravity
By Rae Pica, Children's Movement Specialist
Heads, Bellies, Toes
Between 24 and 30 months, toddlers can finally bend at the waist without toppling over. To help your child master this ability, play a game called Heads, Bellies, Toes. Ask your toddler to touch her head, belly and toes as you call out the names of the body parts. Begin with a slow, rhythmic chant that gently moves her down and up, calling out the body parts in the same order each time. Eventually mix up the order and increase the pace! This activity additionally promotes flexibility, yet another of the health-related fitness factors.
Body Part Balance
This game will reinforce body part identification as it promotes balance. Challenge your child to try balances such as the following: on two knees and two hands, on two knees and one hand, on two feet and two hands, on two feet and one hand. Try it with him, and remember that falling over isn't failure; it's fun!
The Tightrope
Your toddler may not be familiar with the high-wire act at the circus, but she'll still love playing this game. Place a jump rope in a straight line on the floor. Then, placing one foot in front of the other and holding arms out to the sides, the two of you walk the "tightrope" from one end to the other and back again. Accompany this activity with circus music if you can
