When will my child learn to jump?

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Jumping is an exciting developmental milestone that parents eagerly anticipate. While jumping may seem like a straightforward task, for a child it is a complex skill requiring coordination, strength and balance. Let’s explore how you can support your child on their journey to becoming a confident jumper!

Jumping is a milestone that usually emerges in typically developing kids by the age of 3 years. However, just like walking or talking, the age at which a child learns to jump can vary. Every child is unique, and while some may start attempting to jump earlier, others may take more time to learn the skill.

Jumping involves strong leg muscles, a stable core, coordination, and balance. No matter when your child starts learning to jump, here are some tips and strategies to help them master this skill and start leaping around confidently in no time.

How to Encourage Jumping Development

While jumping is a natural milestone, there are ways you can encourage and support your child’s development:

Create a Safe Environment: Make sure your child has a safe space to practice jumping. Soft surfaces, such as grass or carpeted areas, are ideal for beginners.
Model Jumping: Children learn a lot by watching others. Show your child how to jump by doing it yourself.
Tippy toes: Strong calves are crucial for jumping, as they help with upward propulsion. You can help your child build calf strength by having them rise up on their toes. Fast calf raises will also help develop the necessary push-off power for jumping.
Squat to tippy toes: Jumping involves bending the knees and pushing off the ground with the toes. So you can practice by having your child squat down to pick up a toy and then rise up onto their toes. A fun game is to pick up a toy car and then rise up onto tippy toes to roll it down a ramp.
Jumping with Hands Held: Holding your child’s hands while they jump allows them to practice the jumping motion and experience the sensation of leaving the ground and bouncing.
Jumping down: Add a step or curb and have your child jump down from a slightly higher surface. By introducing height, they naturally generate more force and power which can smoothly transition to jumping on flat ground.
Celebrate Successes: Whenever your child attempts to jump, even if they don’t quite make it, celebrate their effort. Positive reinforcement will encourage them to keep trying and build their confidence.
Be Patient: Developmental milestones vary widely among children. If your child isn’t jumping as early as others, don’t worry. Give them time, and they’ll get there when they’re ready.

When to Seek Advice

While most children will learn to jump in their own time, If you’re worried that your child isn’t making progress towards learning to jump, it might be helpful to consult with a therapist at Strong and Courageous. They can assess your child’s development and provide guidance or exercises to support their progress towards achieving this milestone.

Jumping is an exciting milestone that highlights your child’s developing strength and coordination. Whether they begin jumping at 18 months or later, it’s essential to create a supportive and safe environment for them to practice and explore. Keep in mind that every child develops at their own pace, and with a bit of encouragement and patience, your child will be jumping with joy before you know it!