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Expert Q&A

	By Rae Pica Physical Activity Specialist

My child loves to jump. Does this help his development?

Jumping is great for promoting muscular strength and muscular endurance, two of the five health-related fitness factors. And, if it's practiced continually, it can additionally benefit cardiovascular endurance!

A jump involves a two-footed takeoff and landing, and small children especially enjoy jumping off or over things. One possibility is to place your little one on the bottom of a set of steps or on the edge of a low sandbox or curb and stand facing her. Hold out your arms and encourage her to jump. Repeat the process as long as she stays interested. When she's ready for something a bit higher, use a sturdy plastic crate or something similar.

For practice with jumping over, place a jump rope on the ground and encourage your child to imagine it's a river he has to get across. Or, for a greater challenge, try a narrow plank.

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