Does your toddler love to twist and shout whenever he hears music playing? Be glad! it’s a step in the right direction. Your little one may seem to have only recently caught the dancing bug, but in fact he’s been perfecting those moves for well over a year. Even when you held up your 6-month-old so he could stand stand on your lap, he was probably practicing some rhythmic knee bends. And After a few months after your child took his first unassisted steps, he most likely began to saunter or sway his body from side to side whenever he heard music playing.
The rocking and reeling is an obvious sign of your toddler improving physical activities but don’t overlook all the incredible mental work that also goes into gettin’ joggy with it. When your child dances, messages are quickly sent ot the brains about the body’s orientation inspace. The brain then tells the body exactly how to respond, in which direction your child’s eyes ought to be pointed, how she should use her arms and brace her legs in order to maintain her sense of balance, and so forth.
You can incorporate dancing into your child’s playtime. Make space so your child can move about freely and safely. Don’t be shy, join in on the fun, even if you have two left feet. Don’t be afraid to get up close and personal. Let your child dance on your feet, and bop around together. Remember that kids love when their parents act silly. It can be a big relief not to feel like someone is always in charge. Happy dancing this Christmas season!
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Tags: christmas, dancing, joy, mental work, parents dancing, physical activities, playtime, toddlers
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December 19th, 2009 at 9:11 am