Physical Development continued

It has been noted that infants experience a rapid growth spurt. In contrast, the physical development of preschoolers and school-age children is much slower and steadier. Although there may be peaks and plateaus within these stages, generally these children gain about 5-6 pounds and add 2-3 inches in height each year. Preschoolers have a better sense of balance than toddlers do because their legs are growing and their center of gravity is lower−they are not as top-heavy. Harris also indicates that leg growth occurs for 66% of the height increases. Gross motor skills are improving rapidly during the preschool years, and fine motor skills develop more rapidly in the elementary years, with improvements seen in printing, writing, and artistic skills. By two years, handedness is generally established, and by three years children can hop. Generally, girls have better fine-motor development, and boys have better gross-motor development. Because children in early childhood are able to climb, jump, and pull, it is important that parents safety-proof their house. In order to encourage the child's new motor skills, the play environment should ideally allow for both indoor and outdoor play, with different ground surfaces and integration with the natural world so that children can explore.