Question

The nurse is teaching a group of parents about gross motor development of the toddler. Which behavior is an example of the normal gross motor skill of a toddler? A. She can pull a toy behind her. B. She can copy a horizontal line. C. She can build a tower of eight blocks. D. She can broad-jump.

Short answer

Answer: A. She can pull a toy behind her.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Gross Motor Skills for Toddlers

Gross motor skills are the abilities required to control the large muscles of the body for activities such as walking, running, crawling, jumping, and playing. These skills develop as a child grows and are crucial for a toddler's overall physical development.

Analyze Each Option

Let's examine each option and consider whether it represents a normal gross motor skill for toddlers: A. She can pull a toy behind her. B. She can copy a horizontal line. C. She can build a tower of eight blocks. D. She can broad-jump.

Identify the Appropriate Gross Motor Skill

After analyzing the options, (A) pulling a toy behind her is an example of gross motor skill since it requires the coordination of large muscles in the legs and arms, which is typical for toddlers learning to walk and move. The other options mainly involve fine motor skills, which focus on smaller muscle groups and precise actions.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, the correct answer is A. She can pull a toy behind her, as this behavior reflects the normal gross motor skill of a toddler.

Key concepts

Toddler Development

During toddlerhood, children undergo major developmental milestones that prepare them for various life stages. One of the key areas of toddler development is the growth of gross motor skills. These skills involve the use of large muscle groups and enable toddlers to perform activities such as walking, running, and pulling objects.

As toddlers start to explore their environments, they show a keen interest in moving their bodies in new ways. Activities like climbing, walking, and even pulling a toy behind them are crucial for their progression and self-confidence. At around 1-3 years of age, toddlers focus on developing these abilities, which are foundational for later complex movements.

To foster healthy growth in toddlers, parents and caregivers should provide a safe space for exploration and movement. Offering toys that encourage active play, like pull toys or balls, can aid in the development of these fundamental skills.

Physical Development

Physical development in toddlers encompasses both gross and fine motor skills. Gross motor skills, such as walking and jumping, develop as toddlers gain strength and coordination in their larger muscle groups. Conversely, fine motor skills involve smaller muscle movements, like grasping or manipulating objects, which are also important but develop differently.

During the toddler years, gross motor skills are defined by greater mobility and freedom of movement. These developments are crucial for gaining balance, coordination, and spatial awareness, all of which are important for a child's overall development. Activities that engage large muscles, like pushing a stroller or pulling a wagon, are typical factors supporting physical development in this age group.

The pace of physical development can vary from child to child, but when toddlers engage in activities that encourage movement and exploration, they naturally enhance their gross motor abilities. Parents should celebrate each milestone achieved, no matter how small, as it contributes to developing an active lifestyle.

Nursing Education

Nursing education plays a pivotal role in guiding parents and caregivers about the developmental milestones in toddlers, particularly regarding gross motor skills. Nurses often provide valuable insights into the expected progress in a toddler's physical development, helping caregivers set realistic expectations.

Nurses can provide strategies on how to support and encourage gross motor skill development in toddlers. This includes advising on appropriate activities, safety considerations, and early identification of any developmental concerns. For example, they may suggest activities like encouraging a toddler to pull a toy, as it involves coordination and strength.

Through educational workshops and consultations, nurses empower parents with the knowledge to create environments that promote healthy physical growth. This ensures that toddlers have opportunities for active play, essential for their motor skill development, while maintaining safety and well-being.