What does my doctor mean when he talks about motor skills?
Motor skills are a way of talking about how your child moves his or her body.

There are two types of motor skills-gross (sometimes called large) and fine (sometimes called small).

Gross motor skills use the large muscles of the body to perform actions like standing, walking, and climbing.

Fine motor skills use the hands and fingers to perform actions like picking up small objects, scribbling, and turning the pages of a book.

Great Gross Motor Skills

How can I help my child to develop gross motor skills?
Encourage active play-everything from running to climbing to pushing and pulling. All of these activities will help to strengthen the large muscles.

What gross motor skills can I expect my 24-month-old child to have?
The typical 24-month-old is able to:

• Play on a jungle gym
  
  
• Crawl through tunnels made of pillows and blankets
  
  
• Run around outside

Remember, these milestones are only guidelines that describe what a child typically does at this age.

Fantastic Fine Motor Skills

How can I help my child to develop fine motor skills?
Again, normal play will help your child develop fine motor skills and improve eye-hand coordination.

What fine motor skills can I expect my 24-month-old child to have?
The typical 24-month-old is able to:

• Play with small cars and toy figures
  
  
• Draw with crayon
  
  
• Play with blocks that snap together

Remember, these milestones are only guidelines that describe what a child typically does at this age.