Helping a child through developmental stages is a rewarding process. Children succeed in many ways, from first words to more developed communication. Each milestone is worth celebrating! That being said, keeping track of everything can be a full-time job. We can spot and address when children might need additional support by gaining more knowledge of typical development markers.
Balance and coordination are key indicators of what’s developing beneath the surface. When a child is learning to adapt and move through the space around them, their brain builds valuable patterns that act as a foundation for future growth and development. When children are encouraged to improve their coordination and balance skills, their neurological health is strengthened.
How does this get accomplished? Development happens through the activation of various sections of the brain. By supporting the developing nervous system, progress is always possible even when signs of poor balance and coordination are present. Neuro Health regularly helps struggling children regain their lives. With dedication and patience, improvement is possible.
The Brain: What’s Active?
In early childhood, our brains take in a vast amount of information. Movement is one of the best methods of being so. Sensory input from each step, crawl, and stumble builds important groundwork in young minds. As we grow, higher cognitive abilities build on top of the basic learning set by movement.
Balance and coordination skills light up and develop multiple regions of the brain, such as the:
- Cerebellum: The biggest player in the game, the cerebellum directly coordinates our movement and balance. Overall movement activates and strengthens the cerebellum, which also plays a role in the processing and understanding of language.
- Prefrontal Cortex: You’ve probably heard of this brain region! Often used as a buzzword, the prefrontal cortex is responsible for decision-making. Dozens of decisions go into where each step lands, especially during the first stages of learning how to.
- Corpus Callosum: These nerves transfer signals between the left and right brain. Transfer of signals to either side is crucial for movement that crosses the midline of your body. Crawling, a common first step for babies, is one of these!
By working towards functional balance and coordination, your child is strengthening their entire brain for future learning and resilience.
The Body: Get Moving.
A strong body builds a strong mind. Our world has developed quickly, screens slowly replacing more active options as the years progress. Screens can be a valuable learning tool when used in moderation, but kids need movement! Without it, there is an increased risk for delayed learning, sensory sensitivity, anxiety, and other behavioral struggles. An inactive child will not build the foundation necessary for a healthy mind. In or out of the classroom, balance and coordination help children thrive.
Signs of Delayed Development
It would be inaccurate and unhelpful to attribute any sign of delay solely to coordination and balance. Development can be slowed for several reasons, innocuous or otherwise. However, recognizing struggles in these areas is a helpful tool for recognizing that a child is having difficulty processing the world around them. These signs aren’t too difficult to catch early and include:
- Frequently tripping or bumping into objects.
- Struggling to sit still.
- Regular avoidance of active play, such as climbing or jumping.
- Difficulty with “sequencing” tasks, or tasks that require following multiple steps in order, such as tying a pair of shoes on your own.
- Having a poor attention span.
- Acting impulsively, experiencing emotional outbursts, or having trouble self-regulating.
In an underdeveloped brain, poor communication between regions can cause frustration and difficulty with even simple tasks. Left untreated, these struggles will interfere with the child’s ability to learn and maintain self-confidence.
Properly supporting a child’s nervous system works wonders. Personally, I’ve witnessed remarkable improvements in children after strengthening coordination and balance skills. The brain is a powerful organ whose function can affect every aspect of our lives.
Movement: Promote Improvement
Good news! You don’t need fancy tools or expensive programs to begin supporting your child’s brain health. Supporting a healthy brain is as simple as encouraging daily physical play. Activities that involve balance, timing, and coordination are great choices. Here are a few to get you started:
- Skipping, hopping, or crawling (depending on age and ability)
- Playing catch
- Dancing along to music
- Biking and obstacle courses
Along with burning energy, these activities activate the brain systems that fuel growth and regulation through increased sensory input. These systems will then improve overall balance and coordination in the whole body.
Need extra support? That’s what Neuro Health is here to do. Set up an initial evaluation, and we’ll work with you to personalize a care plan to strengthen and support your child’s nervous system with customized chiropractic care.
