If someone had told me before becoming a mom that I’d be googling phrases like “gross motor skills activities for toddlers” at 2 a.m. while holding a squirmy preschooler who refused to sleep, I might’ve laughed. But here I am—mother to an energetic, unstoppable, incredibly curious little boy who seems to think our living room is a jungle gym.
As a full-time working mom in the U.S., juggling conference calls and daycare drop-offs, I’ve learned that movement isn’t just fun for kids—it’s necessary. Gross motor skill development helps with coordination, strength, confidence, and even sleep (hallelujah). But integrating these activities into our already busy lives? That’s been a journey—full of messes, memories, and a whole lot of learning.
Let me share our story, with all its chaos and love, and offer some tips that have worked for us.
My Son, the Little Dynamo
My son started walking before he turned one, and since then, he’s barely stopped moving. He’s the kind of kid who tries to jump off furniture, chase birds, and “scoot” across the kitchen floor on a rolling toy at top speed while I cook dinner. I used to see this constant motion as something I had to manage, but I’ve learned it’s something to nurture.
Gross motor skills—those big movements using arms, legs, and the whole body—are critical for development. So rather than fighting his energy, I decided to channel it.
Time Management: Fitting It All In (Without Losing Your Mind)
Time is the biggest hurdle for working moms. Between work, chores, and trying to squeeze in five minutes of alone time, adding “structured play” to the day felt impossible.
What worked for me was incorporating movement into our routine, rather than adding extra to-dos. Some of our favorites:
- Morning dance parties: We have a 10-minute “get the wiggles out” session with music before daycare/work. It’s fun and sets a happy tone for the day.
- Obstacle courses during dinner prep: I’ll lay out cushions, tunnels, and plastic cones in the living room and give him little “missions.” He thinks it’s a game—I know it’s great for his motor planning and coordination.
- Weekend park time as a non-negotiable: Saturdays are sacred for outdoor play. Sometimes I bring my laptop and answer emails on a bench while he climbs and explores.
Time is tight, but with a little creativity, gross motor activities can fit into the cracks of a busy schedule.
Self-Care: Yes, It Still Matters
I didn’t realize how much I needed my own physical movement until I started doing these activities with my son. At first, I was exhausted. I’d sit on the floor with him, half-heartedly tossing a ball while checking emails. But I slowly started joining in.
We’d race each other down the hallway, do parent-kid yoga in the living room, or play “freeze dance.” Suddenly, I wasn’t just moving—I was laughing. I felt lighter, less stressed. It’s no replacement for a solo workout, but it reminded me: movement is self-care, too.
And when I really need “me time,” I remind myself that I deserve it. I’m better for my family when I carve out moments—however small—to recharge.
The Guilt is Real… But You’re Not Failing
Let’s talk about mom guilt. That ever-present whisper that tells us we’re not doing enough. I’ve felt it intensely—especially on days when I’m glued to my computer while my son plays alone. Or when I hand him the tablet so I can finish a project.
But here’s what I’ve learned: Presence over perfection. It’s not about planning Pinterest-worthy playdates every day. It’s about the small moments—ten minutes of full attention, a tickle fight, a walk around the block. Those matter. Those count.
And if some days all we manage is a silly dance before bed or a race to the mailbox, that’s okay too.
Work-Life Balance: Still a Work in Progress
Balancing work and motherhood isn’t about splitting time evenly—it’s about being intentional. Some things that have helped me:
- Setting “kid time” on my calendar: I block out 30-minute chunks after work that are just for us. No phone, no chores. It helps him feel connected and makes transitions smoother.
- Letting go of perfection: Our house is rarely spotless. Dinner is often reheated leftovers. But my son is happy, and I’m learning to be okay with “good enough.”
- Asking for help: This one took time. But now I ask my partner, family, or even a trusted neighbor to help when I need a break or can’t be two places at once. It’s not weakness—it’s community.
Favorite Gross Motor Activities for Active Kids
If you’re wondering what to actually do with your energetic little one, here are some tried-and-true activities that have saved our sanity:
1. Indoor Balloon Volleyball
We set up a string across the room and use a balloon to “play volleyball.” It’s safe, fun, and great for coordination.
2. Pillow Pile Jumps
Stack couch cushions and let your child jump off a low surface onto them. Supervised, of course. Builds balance and leg strength.
3. Animal Walk Races
Bear crawls, frog jumps, crab walks—kids love pretending to be animals. We race across the hallway in different “modes.”
4. Scavenger Hunts with Movement
Make a list of things to find, and between each item, they have to jump, hop, or spin. Combines movement with cognitive skills.
5. Nature Walk “Mission”
Take a walk and assign “missions”: Find three rocks, hop to the tree, skip to the mailbox. Kids love the sense of purpose.
Lessons I’ve Learned
- Movement is more than physical: It’s emotional. My son expresses himself through action. Understanding this has helped me connect with him more deeply.
- Structure helps kids thrive: Predictable movement activities reduce tantrums and improve sleep. Even loose routines help.
- You don’t need fancy toys: Cardboard boxes, cushions, and paper plates make great tools for motor play.
- You are doing more than enough: If you care about your child’s development—even reading this—you’re already winning.
To All the Tired, Loving Moms Out There
If you’re reading this while folding laundry or finishing your cold coffee, know this: you are doing an amazing job. There is no perfect way to raise a child, only a loving one. And if your toddler seems like a tornado some days, take heart—he’s learning, growing, becoming.
Gross motor play is just one part of this wild, beautiful ride we call motherhood. Some days it’ll be messy, others magical. But every time you show up—whether with a well-planned obstacle course or a spontaneous living room dance—you’re giving your child exactly what they need.
So let’s keep cheering each other on, celebrating the small wins, and remembering:
We’ve got this, mom.
