Developing Fine Motor Skills
Why do kids today have such poor fine motor skills? A number of lifestyle changes that have taken place over the past 20 years have contributed to declining fine motor skills. Since parents were advised to position sleeping babies on their backs to reduce risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, babies have not effectively been able to develop their back extensor muscles which we use to lift up against gravity, developing strength in arms and shoulders. Baby rockers and Snug and Safe car seats are wonderfully secure and also convenient, and babies are often left in them for longer periods of the day than is optimal, reducing opportunity for movement and muscle development. Bumbo seats and Walking rings also reduce beneficial tummy and crawling time, which are both vital for building the muscles of the arms, shoulders, back and neck. The digital age encourages a more sedentary lifestyle, limiting opportunities for movement, core muscle development, and arm and hand strengthening. Ipad
