July 26, 2010

Hop! Hop! Tips and Toys to Promote Your Child’s Balance

A child will begin to balance on one foot by the time they’re 3 years old and they should be able to hop between 3 1/2 and 4 years of age.

There are several activities and toys that will promote your child’s ability to balance and hop on one foot. One incredibly easy trick is to roll balls to your child and have them put one of their feet on the ball and roll it under their foot and kick it back. You can also get some sidewalk chalk and draw a line for your child to stand behind and draw a target close to them that they can try to hop to. By gradually increase the distance you ask your child to hop to, their ability to hop will dramatically improve. While you have the sidewalk chalk out, draw a hopscotch to play with your child.

If you forget how to draw a hopscotch (I know it has been quite a few years since you were playing hopscotch at recess), check out eBeanstalk’s Smiley Face Hopscotch.

Playground fun takes on a happy face year round with this Smiley Face Hopscotch game. Smiley face and numbered mats fit together easily for safe play that builds balance and coordination skills. Six foam mats and two foam pucks come neatly packed in a tote bag. Assembled set covers approximately a 6 x 2 space. All sets come in a soft, clear, plastic carry case. (ages 3+, $21.95)

The Wobble Deck is another toy that promotes great balance. Put your balancing skills to the test with the Wobble Deck Game. It?s an electronic balance challenge, with three multi-level balance games: Memory Match, Speed Play and Freestyle. Includes sturdy balance board with two volume settings and three game variations. Requires 3 “AA” batteries, not included. (ages 5+, $49.95)

Hop 45 The Hop 45 ball is made from super strong, yet (latex-free) soft vinyl material and has a special patented handgrip safety handle. Hop 45 can be used indoors or outdoors and inflates easily with a hand or foot pump. It?s hard to find good gifts for 3 year olds, but this toy is one of the best! (ages 3+, $29.95)

The key to helping your child balance, stand on one foot and hop is to make it extremely fun for them and not frustrating.

By Holly

1 Comment

Posted in Children's Toys & Crafts , Family

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About the Author: Holly Ord

In addition to being the Founder and Editor of Woman Tribune, Holly Ord is a freelance writer, web designer and developer, feminist activist and blogger, and hopeless video game addict. She lives in Northeastern Pennsylvania and has been blogging on liberal politics and gender equality on her personal website, Menstrual Poetry since 2007.

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One Comment on Hop! Hop! Tips and Toys to Promote Your Child’s Balance / Add Your Comment

billigt legetøj online says:

December 1, 2010 at 11:20 am

Once again – great post Holly. I especially like the HOPE 45. Is it with free shipping outside U.S?

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