Physical development is the process of child’s development in terms of movement, coordination, and control of one’s body. Physical development is categorized into fine and gross motor skills. In fine motor skills, the child should be able to coordinate with smaller body parts while in gross motor skills, the child should be able to control his larger body parts.

During the early phase of life i.e. in childhood, enhanced development takes place. The mental, physical and cognitive development increases with age but the most prominent one is physical development, which can be appreciated visually.

Physical development during the infancy and toddler phase
During the infancy phase, physical development occurs dramatically as you need to buy new clothes and other accessories on regular basis.
In the toddler phase, the rapid development starts to slow down when compared to the infancy period. They do grow in toddler phase but their development is slow and steady.

Physical development during the kindergarten phase
You will notice some extraordinary changes in the kindergarten phase:
Children increase in height and gain some weight but at a slower pace when compared to their toddler phase. At the end of the preschool period, the child loses milk teeth and the permanent teeth erupt. During this year, brain development occurs at a fast pace i.e. at the age of 3 to 4 years. The brain completes 75% of its development during this phase.

The children start learning more and more physical skills during the kindergarten phase. He or she can perform physical activities like riding a tricycle, posturing on one foot, they can catch the ball easily, run and hop. The child starts drawing and copying smaller shapes and few figures, numbers, and others at this age in school.

Physical development at the ages of 5-6 years
The skills of the children start developing at a faster pace. At this age, children can master new skills and perform them more actively. After this age, children enhance their gross and fine motor skills. They continue to improve and refine these physical activities at a speedy rate.

Relationship of motor and physical development during the preschool phase
With the advancement of physical development, motor skills also develop. The child starts developing fine motor skills such as solving a puzzle, spending time at painting, drawing or playing with minor objects. Physical activities like playing, exploring new things, having meals independently, drawing, painting and other activities enhance the physical and motor development of a child simultaneously.

Role of nutrition to enhance healthy physical development
Nutrition is one of the leading factors that affect the physical growth of a child. During the preschool years, your child’s diet is similar to the adults. Eating a balanced, healthy diet with various options makes sure that the child is gaining all the essential nutrients. Do not limit your child’s diet to milk and other juices, try giving them various food options to encourage healthy eating habits. Avoid giving processed foods, snacks or sugary foods to the children in this age as these foods lack nutrients and result in tooth decay. Children are picky at the preschool phase so try giving them the freedom to choose their favorite food as this is also an important part of physical growth.

Parents ought to take care of their kids at all times. They should spend most of their time with children and encourage them to play and perform activities independently so that their physical development enhances. Make sure that all adults in the house follow healthy eating habits so that the child follows the same and stays physically active. Stock up your home with healthy snacks and food options. Give smaller portions of food to children at regular intervals instead of huge meals at once. It is essential to promote physical development in a healthy way.

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