What does my doctor mean when he talks about motor skills?
Motor skills are a way of talking about how your child moves his or her body.

There are two types of motor skills-gross (sometimes called large) and fine (sometimes called small).

Gross motor skills use the large muscles of the body to perform actions like standing, walking, and climbing.

Fine motor skills use the hands and fingers to perform actions like picking up small objects, scribbling, and turning the pages of a book.

Great Gross Motor Skills

How can I help my child to develop gross motor skills?
Encourage active play-everything from running to climbing to pushing and pulling. All of these activities will help to strengthen the large muscles.

Of course, it's up to you to make sure that these activities happen in a safe environment-for example, finding a place where your child can do a little climbing without getting hurt.

What gross motor skills can I expect my 12-month-old child to have?

The typical 12-month-old is able to:

• Pull a toy on a string
  
  
• Take a step
  
  
• Push a doll stroller or toy shopping cart

Remember, these milestones are only guidelines that describe what a child typically does at this age.

What gross motor skills can I expect my 18-month-old child to have?

The typical 18-month-old is able to:

• Roll and throw a ball
  
  
• Dance to music
  
  
• Ride on a toy that she can be propelled by the child's feet

Remember, these milestones are only guidelines that describe what a child typically does at this age.

Fantastic Fine Motor Skills

How can I help my child to develop fine motor skills?
Again, normal play will help your child develop fine motor skills and improve eye-hand coordination.

What fine motor skills can I expect my 12-month-old child to have?

The typical 12-month-old is able to:

• Build a block tower
  
  
• Turn the pages of a book
  
  
• Fill and empty containers

Remember, these milestones are only guidelines that describe what a child typically does at this age.

What fine motor skills can I expect my 18-month-old child to have?

The typical 18-month-old is able to:

• Dig in the sand
  
  
• Take apart a toy
  
  
• Scribble with a crayon on paper

Remember, these milestones are only guidelines that describe what a child typically does at this age.