Well-developed fine and gross motor skills can help children have more fun during playtime and carry out their daily activities. For example, they can better grip and handle toys and objects. This can make playtime more fun and engaging. They will also be better able to practice their creativity because of how they can use their hands and fingers to solve problems and build things at an early age. 

Importance of fine motor skills 

For toddlers, fine motor skills include holding, grasping, gripping, pinching, drawing and scribbling. Well-developed fine motor skills can enable them to easily hold up a pencil, pick an object and button their shirt. Notice that with those skills, they can easily look after themselves and practice more independence. As a result, they can become more reliant and this can encourage them to try several activities on their own or pursue their interests. 

With their skills, toddlers will also be able to brush their own teeth, put on their shoes and carry out other everyday activities essential for their hygiene, appearance and wellbeing. And with their new found independence and self-reliance, they will feel more confident in individual and group playtime. 

Importance of gross motor skills 

Aside from fine motor skills (those that engage the small muscles in the hands and fingers), well-developed gross motor skills are also important for children to move around safely and efficiently every day. These gross motor skills engage several large muscles of the toddlers’ arms, legs and torso. 

With good gross motor skills, toddlers will be able to jump over small objects, walk up and down the stairs, run faster and climb on play equipment. With these capabilities, toddlers can better enjoy the playground and beach. This will also help further develop their spatial awareness, balance and coordination which can support their learning in sports and performing arts. 

Gross and fine motor skills are important in toddler development because these actually support their overall brain development. These skills expand their capabilities and comfort zone which in turn helps their brain chew on more experiences and inputs. As a result, toddlers can better experience the real world and practice their rapidly developing skills.