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Having a Ball
Child Development Through Play By Mark Stackpole
In addition to sports balls, children also have fun with larger fitness or stability balls, which can be used for fun and exercise for children and parents alike. "Tummy time" is important for all babies, and using a child-sized stability ball to encourage the motor development prompted by "tummy time" can make the activity more engaging for an infant. This activity can be especially helpful for premature babies, as Muse learned from personal experience when her own son was born prematurely.
"The ball will encourage them to lift their heads against gravity and develop strength for head control," Muse says. "As the babies begin to place their hands down and push up to lift their head and chest, the ball is still a fun and effective way to develop these skills." With a parent's help, there are other ways that children can use a small stability ball, such as sitting on it instead of a chair. It is a novelty for the children, comfortable and provides a bit of a physical challenge as well.
There are few things in life more satisfying than playing with a child not only is it pure fun, but there is also the knowledge that you are helping to put that child on the pathway to a happier, healthier life. From kicking a soccer ball to lounging on a stability ball, there are many ways to incorporate this simple, fun toy into any playtime.
In addition to everything else, you may also make some lasting memories of your time with your child, as Jennifer Margolis did. "I have a snapshot of my older son at home when he was just able to walk by himself," she says. "He has a big grin on his face, and he is holding a small ball in his upraised hand, looking as if he is getting ready to throw it. One of his first recognizable words was 'ball,' which he used to describe anything round, from a ball to an orange to a pumpkin."