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5 Exercises to Help Your Child Learn How to Jump

Most typically developing children are able to jump around the time they are 3 years old. However, every child develops differently, so some may start jumping before or after. Jumping requires a combination of strength, balance and coordination. Most children will meet this milestone on their own when they are ready.

Here are 5 fun exercises you can do with your child to help them along:

1. Cue your child to squat down low like a frog, wait a few seconds and then jump! Or count down from 10 while they are in a low squat and tell them to blast off like a rocket. Even if they are not getting off the ground, performing a deep squat and rising back to standing helps to strengthen their leg muscles needed for jumping. Encouraging them to stand up quickly helps them to learn to propel themselves upward.

2. Model jumping for your child. Show them how you squat and then jump upward with both feet at the same time. Then hold your child’s hands and tell them to jump with you.  Giving them support for jumping allows them to practice the action and experience getting off the ground.

3. Have your child practice jumping on a mini trampoline while holding your hands or a sturdy bar (if attached to the trampoline). The mini trampoline helps your child get the momentum needed to get air while developing the coordination needed for jumping.

4. Have your child jump off a low step or curb. This is easier than jumping up themselves because it doesn’t require as much upward momentum but allows them to practice jumping and landing on both feet.

5. Have your child rise up on their toes to strengthen their calf muscles. Strong calf muscles will help your child propel themselves upward and off the ground for jumping. Blow bubbles over their head so that they try to pop them or have them reach for a desired toy up high. Going up on their toes without holding onto something also helps improve their balance.

If you are concerned that your child is not making progress toward learning to jump, a pediatric physical therapist can help. Contact our clinic today at 330-867-2240 or click here to schedule an appointment.

-Julie Butt, PT, DPT

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Crystal Scheibe

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My 9 year old just completed about 9 months of weekly speech sessions (due to his stuttering) with Matt Hagge at LLA and we are thrilled with the experience and results. What I thought might be a negative (what kid really wants to go to speech class?) was made very positive by Matt, and my son never hesitated or complained when we talked about class. He really enjoyed it and really took what Matt taught him to heart. His speech has been greatly improved and we definitely recommend LLA. Thank you so much!

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I cannot say enough good things about LLA Therapy. My daughter was a client of Teal Simmons’ for approximately 2 years and was just released from speech therapy! She was diagnosed with Apraxia in 2015 and worked with Teal twice a week. Through Teal’s application of PROMPT therapy, my daughter had age-appropriate speech after one year. All of the staff we interacted with at LLA were absolutely wonderful. They really care about what they do and making sure your child achieves their goals.

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LLA Therapy has been an excellent experience for my son as well as my family! My son always asks, "When can I go see Ms. Jeannine again, is it Monday??" He has also made huge gains in only 5 months! I would highly recommend LLA and have already shared my experience with friends looking for services!

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We are so grateful for our Speech Therapist Ms.Teal. We have seen a great improvement with our sons confidence and communication abilities since we have started "Prompt" therapy. What we love the most about LLA and Ms. Teal is that Kohl feels comfortable and relaxed which has played a critical role in his progress. Thank you Ms. Teal for all you have done.

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They have helped in numerous ways. Speech, OT and behavioral. I've had numerous compliments on my son's progress thanks in very large part to LLA. I would recommend LLA before I recommend our local children's hospitals, though they are good, they don't have the staff that LLA does.

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We had a great experience with Matt Hagge at LLA! Our Middle School age son was becoming very conscious of his voice, which is nasal due to a cleft palate. Matt helped him to better form his sounds and project his voice in a way that makes the unavoidable nasality less noticeable.Our son is more confident and outgoing & even took on a speaking role in the church play. Matt has the perfect personality to relate with our son, and we would recommend him to anyone needing speech therapy services!

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LLA Therapy has been an excellent experience for our daughter. I would highly recommend LLA. Miss Grace was so amazing and I can't believe how quickly our daughter showed improvement. Thank you!
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