Great developmental toy.

Parents are always looking for the perfect toy, product or device to entertain their children and help them develop properly. Lots of money is spent on toys and all sorts of activity centers, and yet the search never ends. Some products are simple and effective and deserve praise, while others only claim to be in development but, in reality, should never have made it to market. A simple and very effective product that promotes proper child development is a ball. Yes, simple old-fashioned balls of different sizes, materials, colors or textures can provide a child with more benefits than she could imagine.

Playing a ball is usually taken for granted. However, bilateral skills (on both sides of the body), strength, balance, hand-eye coordination, timing, sequencing, motor planning of movements, attention and even endurance are needed to perform seemingly simple ball activities. Some children find it natural to play with a ball, while others need to spend more time learning skills; however, everyone can benefit from the daily ball game. As with all milestones, ball-playing skills must be developed in a certain sequence. By the time a child is 6 years old, they should be able to do these things with a ball (around the age of beginning a skill):

• Roll-in sit (11-12 months)
• Adventure (13 months)
• Kick (15-16 months)
• Overhead throw (19-20 months)
• Throw Under (23-24 months)
• Wrestling (25-26 months)
• Reach the goal (39-40 months)
• Dribbling (5-6 years)

How do you help your child reach these milestones on time? Get a medium-sized ball and start playing with the child as soon as she has been able to sit independently for some time. You can both sit on the floor facing each other and roll the ball back and forth. Your child will be delighted to see the ball come and go. He/she will stretch forward and sideways to get it, which will help strengthen core muscles, develop coordination, vision, and protective reactions.

As the child gets older and has been able to stand and walk independently for some time, teach him to throw a small ball. At this point, he can throw the ball in any direction. Might be fun to jump in and see what happens. As the skill is learned more, the child should be able to throw the ball over and under the head and hit a target. He can invent any game that requires a successful target, for example throwing it into a laundry basket or into a target attached to the wall.

Kicking, catching and dribbling are more advanced skills. During the kick of a ball, the muscles of the stationary leg must be strong and well balanced to hold the body upright, while the kicking leg must be coordinated with the eyes and also strong. You can imitate soccer for kick practice, or you can kick the ball into a few cones or empty plastic bottles a few feet apart. Basketball helps develop catching and dribbling skills. Besides basketball, you can use the same extended cones or plastic bottles and make your way through those obstacles.

No matter how you play with the ball, it will be beneficial for children. A few balls of different sizes can keep your child entertained for hours while helping them develop better. If you notice that your child is missing milestones, seems clumsy, or if you have any concerns, seek professional advice. Pediatric physical therapists will help.