My daughter has gross motor delays, so it's been difficult to get her to exercise. She's never been one to run, jump, skip, hop and climb the way that other toddlers tend to. She would much prefer to sit in her room and read books than join other 3-year-olds in a game of hopscotch. While I acknowledge my daughter's unique, individual needs, I also recognize the importance of exercise for toddlers of all developmental stages.
It's hard to get my toddler motivated enough to engage in active outdoor exercise. Games and toys just don't pique her interest. It wasn't until I started letting my daughter spend time with pets that she showed intense desire, and resolve, to exercise. Here are a few tips that can get your toddler exercising with your family pet.
1. Exercise only with well-behaved pets. It's futile, and potentially dangerous, to get an untrained, ill-behaved animal involved in on your toddler's exercise regimen. If you want your toddler to walk a dog or play with the family cat, make sure that the animal is completely leash-trained and tolerant of children. You should be able to trust that the pet will obey your commands and will not attempt to physically overpower the child for any reason.
2. Let toddlers play with smaller pets. Cats, ferrets and rabbits need exercise, just as dogs do. But it's generally unnecessary to get these pets in the park on a leash. Teach your toddler to guide and amuse your small pets with laser pointers, feather-toys, bouncy balls and bells. This is a great technique for helping toddlers develop better hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, while also exercising with your pets.
3. Allow your toddler to walk a small dog. Most toddlers can manage the leash of a small dog less than 20 pounds. My own daughter, despite her difficulties with gross motor development and relative weakness compared to her peers, walked a small terrier almost two miles. She was so excited about helping with the "chore" of dog-walking that she maintained interest and activity for the entire walk. Because the dog was small and well-behaved, she wasn't too much for my child to handle.
4. Help your toddler with medium-sized dogs. If you want your toddler to walk a dog 20-40 pounds, make sure that you help your toddler to both guide the dog and maintain physical control of the animal. Even if the dog is well leash-trained, you should help to hold the leash so that the dog doesn't pull your toddler or move too quickly. Your guidance can help to maximize the safety and efficiency of your toddler's exercises with your pets.
5. Let your toddler play with, but not walk, larger dogs. In no context is it safe or appropriate for a toddler to walk a large dog (over 20 pounds) on a leash. Instead, encourage your toddler to exercise with your pet by throwing Frisbees or balls for the dog. Your toddler will get to exercise both her arm muscles and her coordination. While pets can provide an excellent exercise opportunity for toddlers, always make safety your utmost priority. By following basic safety guidelines, you can keep your toddler safe from your pet -- and vice versa.
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