Muscle Up Kinetics for our Children

Muscle Up Kinetics is a kinderkinetics practice currently running at all three of our daycare centres. They mainly focus on the motor development of children between the ages of 0 and 7 years of age.

Our kinderkineticist from Muscle Up Kinetics, Danèl Louw, works once a week at each of the daycare centres.

What is kinderkinetics and why is it important?

Kinderkinetics is a branch of study that focuses on the development of motor skills in children. The emphasis is on children's gross motor development from infancy to the age of seven.

The period from infancy to age seven is a critical phase in a person’s life. It establishes the foundation for all further development, mental and physical. Gross motor skills are also extremely important for developing fine motor skills, which are needed for school readiness.

Why is kinderkinetics important in our community?

In most cases, the young children from our rural communities don’t experience the necessary stimulation that is critical for their development. If a child’s gross motor skills aren’t at the level they should be, it can hinder any further development, especially with regard to their schooling career.

Kinderkinetics assists toddlers and young children to receive the necessary stimulation, needed at the age of their development. The programme can also identify when a child is not at the level required for his age, and then focus specifically on improving those areas.

How can we help?

If parents and caregivers from the community realise what an important phase this is in their children’s lives, they will look with new eyes at their child’s play and development. Thus, raising awareness in rural communities should be a priority.

Daycare centres do not always have the necessary educational- and outdoor toys and activities to promote gross motor development. Financial assistance in these areas could make a great difference to a child’s future.

Schools should also offer opportunities for children, especially to the age of thirteen, to develop their motor skills.