Helping Kids Build Better Balance

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From riding a bike to kicking a ball, balance plays a key role in so many activities. While some lucky kids are born with great balance, most need time and practice to develop it.

The only way for kids to develop balance is to keep losing it — to keep getting back on that bike or balance beam. Think back to your child's first, wobbly steps!

Only with repetition does the neuromuscular system learn to recover equilibrium. Over time, little corrective movements become embedded in muscle memory — it becomes automatic. But for many kids, getting there can be a long, frustrating process.

Smart parents can make the process much easier. Introduce balance-building gear that involves your child's favorite activities. For example, most kids love jumping. Well, trampolines and pogo sticks are great for developing balance!

To minimize frustration, choose activities that are reasonably within your child's skill-level. If your child hasn't mastered a two-wheeler, he's not ready for a unicycle.

There are so many activities that require balance, you're bound to find some your child will enjoy — like these:

Hopping, Skipping, Jumping, Kicking

#15494 Kids Safety Trampoline with Handle #06507 Hopscotch Colorful Game Mat for Kids #15472 Spiro Hop

Dance, Gymnastics, Martial Arts

#14067 Configuration Balance Beam #21109 Kids' Balance Beam by Guidecraft

Swinging, Climbing, Sliding, Spinning

#14265 Metal Dome Climber #06637 Rainy Day Kids Doorway Swing & Trapeze Bar Kit #20727 Spiro Bouncer Teeter-Totter Seesaw #08173 Krazy Kar

Sledding and Floating

#20784 Figure 8 Double Snow Tube #15537 Blaster Board Kick Board & Water Shooter

Biking and Skating

#14123 Kids Wooden Training Bike #12716 Fun Slides Carpet Skates #20820 Arctic Ice Backyard Ice Skating Rink