Why are motor skills important?

Motor skills are used every day throughout our lives. They help us move and do everything from lifting heavy items to typing on a keyboard. Motor skills and motor control begin developing after birth, and will progress as children grow. Having good motor control also helps children explore the world around them, which can help with many other areas of development. Children need motor skills: • To be able to move and complete tasks independently • To be able to explore the world around them, which promotes cognitive, speech, and sensory development • To give them confidence and independence, which promotes skills such as executive function • To meet developmental milestones • To possibly help prevent early motor delays and conditions that can interrupt development