Is My Preschooler a Late Bloomer or a Motor Milestone Master?

little girls playing at a park

I absolutely love the preschool age group! They are so fun, so energetic, and so honest! Preschoolers develop at lightning speed—and yet, every child moves at their own pace. So how do you know if your 3- to 5-year-old is on track with their gross motor skills?

Here are some typical motor milestones for preschoolers:

  • Age 3: Runs well, climbs, kicks and throws a ball
  • Age 4: Hops on one foot, catches a ball, pedals a tricycle
  • Age 5: Skips, balances on one foot for 10 seconds, starts to do somersaults

If your child isn’t quite hitting these, it doesn’t always mean something’s wrong—but it could mean they need extra practice or support.

Signs to watch for:

  • Avoids playgrounds or physical games
  • Struggles with balance or coordination
  • Seems clumsy or frequently falls
  • Tires quickly with physical activity

A pediatric physical therapist can assess your child’s motor skills and design fun, play-based activities to help them grow stronger and more confident.

Preschool is a great time to check in—early support builds a foundation for lifelong movement success. And remember: every kid blooms in their own season!

Please feel free to message me with any specific questions or concerns that you may have with your child’s development. I am here to help 🙂


Posted

in

by

Comments

Leave a Reply

Discover more from Pediatric PT Mom

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading