He's a Boy He'll Grow Out Of It

By Gail Troussoff Marks

Silver Stars Gymnastics

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He's a Boy He'll Grow Out Of It

What if you notice that your child (boy or girl) moves differently or reacts differently to situations than many other children? Do you wait and give it time, or are you more proactive? In my 14 years of teaching gymnastics I have seen very positive changes when parents move quickly to address the issues their children are having. Parents may do something as simple as enroll their timid, unsure child in a gymnastics class or perhaps the childs sensory or movement issues need help from an occupational therapist. It is a joy to see how quickly children can respond.
So where do you start if you have concerns about your child? The first route is to discuss the issue with your pediatrician. Your doctor can provide the medical framework to evaluate your child and can give a balanced and objective appraisal. Children develop at different rates and boys are different from girls, and your pediatrician can give you that spectrum. Knowing there is a wide range in childhood development, many doctors have tended to take the wait and see approach. However as more data becomes available regarding the benefits of early intervention that attitude may be shifting.
Much of a baby and toddlers early development centers around movement. The way a child moves and propels their body through space has great significance for their ability to learn and interact socially. When a toddler has mastered the major milestones of sitting, standing, and walking most people assume that the child has the motor skills necessary for everyday life. However, there are more subtle motor skills that affect how easily children learn and maneuver through their environment. Jumping with two feet together, using the alternate movements needed to ride a bike, as well as, speaking and eating all require the development of the motor system.
If you notice your childs behavior changes in school or when called to do physical activities, look closer for the causes. Your child could have uneven development in their sensory, neurological, or motor systems. These often arent diagnosable or treatable in the way a disease would be, but there are ways to help. Carol Stock Kranowitzs book “The Out-of-Sync Child” has great information for deciphering childrens behavior from a sensory viewpoint. Kranowitz has another book “The Out-of- Sync Child Has Fun” which will give you some fun games and movement activities to try at home. Depending on your observations and your childs responses, you may be able to decide if “they will just grow out of it.” Many occupational therapists that work with children are knowledgeable about sensory issues.
Here are some behavior examples from my experience. The shy, timid childs fear of movement is usually obvious. Active boys who never stop moving and have trouble staying with the class would not ordinarily be thought to have movement issues. However, this “typical boy behavior” can mask fear of trying a new skill or an inability to do a skill. The silly guy who flops and clowns during his trampoline turn may not be able to jump with two feet at the same time. The child who flies down the balance beam may fall off if he or she tries to slow down and actually put one foot in front of the other. When teaching children forward rolls, we find those who have trouble crossing midline. One mother who participated in a “mom and me” gymnastics class found that her son would not hold onto the bars. That child turned out to have some sensory issues and with therapy was able to work on those issues and participate fully and enjoy gymnastics classes. That childs hand sensitivity would have made it very hard for him to write or color. By addressing that when he was 2-3 years old, he was able to handle crayons when he was four and expected to color.
Addressing movement and sensory issues that cause a child to struggle or be fearful can keep them from losing ground socially and in school. While there are times when “hell grow out of it.” makes sense, look at the compromises being made. Children can learn and adapt quickly when given appropriate tools and guidance. I have seen early insight and support allow childrens tears and fears turn to joy as they begin to participate and succeed in gymnastics class.