How to Help Clumsy Children
A child's clumsiness may not be as benign as you think. He may suffer from bullies at school because he falls, drops things and stumbles a lot. Sometimes clumsy children are experiencing motor difficulties that need to be addressed by a professional. Follow these suggestions to help a clumsy child.
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Instructions
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Keep a journal of your child's clumsy moments. Note recurring behaviors that concern you like dropping things or walking into objects. This will be helpful when you talk to your doctor about the problem.
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Notice other development milestones. Serious motor delays come out in ways other than physical clumsiness. Make sure your child can talk, follow commands and play appropriately for her age.
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Keep up-to-date on his well-child checks. Make sure his vision is normal because children may stumble and run into things they can't see. Ask your pediatrician to do a neurological examination to check his motor skills.
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Encourage your child to be less impulsive. It's common for young kids to leap before they look. Demonstrate calm behavior.
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Monitor their play so they're not overreaching. Make sure their toys are appropriate for their age. Promise her she'll do what her big sister does in another few years.
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Build up your clumsy child's self-esteem. They're probably teased by family members, friends and other kids at school. Teach them to accept their clumsiness with humor.
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Consider taking your child to an occupational therapist if you feel her clumsiness interferes with her life. The Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation has an article about finding one as well as a database you can search.
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Tips & Warnings
Draw your child's attention to his good motor skills like throwing a ball or skateboarding.
Talk about your own clumsy moments when you were a kid.
