Offer brightly colored, easy-to-grasp toys that can be squeezed or have different textures to encourage reaching and grasping

Motivate a baby learning to roll over by holding a favorite toy just out of reach

Provide at lest a 5-by-7 foot blanket for playing, rolling and other large-muscle activities; later, a safe area to explore while crawling

Teach them to bounce, throw and chase balls to develop hand-eye coordination

Dancing and follow-along songs promote body awareness and balance

Create a game during meal preparation by asking the child to help carry something -- that won't spill or break -- to the table

Stair climbing develops leg muscles and coordination but should be taught on completed steps with an adult to prevent falls

Help the child walk along a line on the ground or along a sidewalk curb to promote balance

Lay out objects to create a maze or tell a child to run around a tree and back, providing exercise plus mastering turns and balance

Around age 3, hopping on one foot, then the other, promotes balance and strengthens leg muscles.  Add skipping around age 4

Preschoolers lack social and cognitive development for organized team sports, which can leave them frustrated and block later interest in the sport

"A new breed of professional adviser can offer parents practical solutions--even if they never meet face-to-face.  ...a [parent] coach helps parents navigate the growing number of ordinary snags in daily life, and, perhaps most importantly, helps parents feel good about themselves while they do it.  Parents of every age, income level, and personal background seek coaching help.  Although many self-styled coaches claim personal experience as their greatest qualification, common sense dictates that most parents should also look for some kind of professional training {when choosing parental advice].  A background in teaching, educational consulting, social work, and family or personal therapy are all solid bases for a qualified parent coach."

If you are in the San Diego County area, click here for a FREE, confidential, phone consultation to discuss your parenting challenges with Dr. Colt and learn how he may be able to help you. All phone conversations are strictly confidential.