2.5 Year Old Can't Jump

My two year old couldn't jump, hated stairs and didnt like playground equipment. I just figured he wasn't the athletic type, but had him evaluated at the suggestion of his nursery school. Turns out he qualified for PT. I was surprised, because I thought Early Intervention was for kids with really serious problems, and if you saw him play, you would think he was normal. He just avoided jumping and climbing. It's definitely worth pursuing, especially before he turns three. If he qualifies for services, take them! Btw, I find it hard even now to get my son to practice jumping, but the PT uses those big Pilates balls and trampolines to get him to practice the motion. He still can't get his feet off the ground by himself.

One of my girls was never a big jumper. She's almost 10 and when I watch her run it still looks a little awkward - and it is certainly not fast! She is, however, a little fish. I love watching her win a good amount of the races she competes in with her swim team! So, maybe your son won't be the best jumper, but he'll be the best in something else. I wouldn't worry. Ask your pediatrician at the next visit if you're still concerned.

I don't think he's behind. I think jumping is more a 3 year old thing. You can go to parentcenter.com and then go to preschooler age kids. Then you can sign up for emails to see what the kids should be doing and what's coming next.

Any time you have a question about your child's development, you can contact your local school district and get an evaluation through Early Childhood Intervention, or through Child Find.

http://www.nj.gov/njhealthlink/programdetails/njeis.html?...

http://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/childfind/

You don't have to have a documented disability to ask for an evaluation.... this is often the first step in getting a diagnosis.

Just practice with him. If he thinks he's jumping that's a good start, at least he's interested! ;) Just have him jump off curbs instead of stepping or jump off the last step or whatever. He'll get it.

But, I absolutely do recommend signing up ASAP for your local Parents as Teachers. Just google it. It's run through whatever school district you are in. It is a FREE program and they will give you lots of good ideas and support. Home visits stop at 3 years of age, but until he starts K he will still qualify for the free playdates, resources, etc.

He is not a late jumper, most kids don't jump 2 feet at a time until they are 3. His other motor skills are right on target.

Wait a few years.
He's not late.
Jumping doesn't take off at 2 1/2.
Even 3 1/2 yr olds aren't big jumpers.
By 4 1/2 he'll be jumping and skipping.
A book on child development would be a good thing to read.