Children's feet grow from birth until the age of 21, but the most intensive stage of development lasts until the age of 10. It is worth thinking about preventive exercises at this time, which will help develop the ability to maintain balance and properly roll the feet on the ground. This is a simple way to avoid problems in the future. Get to know them!

The feet perform extremely important functions and influence the work of the entire body. Nevertheless, this area is often neglected. This is a big mistake that can have serious consequences both financially and in terms of health. To prevent them, it is advisable to introduce exercises early on to help the feet develop properly.

How to exercise an infant's feet?

Not every parent knows that the baby's feet can be prepared for walking from the day he is born. It is worth doing this to ensure the best possible conditions for the child's development. Contrary to appearances, you do not need special skills or tools for this at all. All you need is to provide little feet with full freedom of movement. In addition, you can support the development of awareness of your own body, especially feet, by:

• Allowing the child to play with his feet, including putting them in his mouth,
• Encouraging your child to touch her feet, such as by putting rattling, colorful socks on her feet,
• playing with the toddler's feet,
• Massaging the feet, for example, after bathing or before bedtime.

These exercises should be in the form of a game, so as not to discourage the child from taking up the activity on his own.

During the first year of life, it is extremely important for the toddler to spend as much time as possible barefoot. Touching different textures allows the toddler to learn to properly roll his foot on the ground and carefully place his feet on the ground. What's more, it also stimulates deep sensation, making it easier for the toddler to keep his balance.

However, you must not forget about the right footwear. Shoes for the little ones should be soft, flexible and non-slip, so that your little one can move freely without the risk of falling unexpectedly. You can find a wide selection of children's footwear that will provide their feet with proper support, including boots, sandals and children's wellingtons, at Tupu Tupu.

Foot exercises for the elderly

Children who have already mastered learning to walk can be offered exercises that stimulate the feet to work. Thanks to them, you will not only support their proper arches, but also strengthen their muscles. Here's what you can offer your child.

1. Crumpling cards/newspapers

Place sheets of drawing block or newspaper on the ground and ask your child to crumple them with his fingers. This is a great way to activate fingers, which are often crushed in shoes, and develop precision. A simple exercise, and it's a lot of fun for both big and small! How about holding a competition? I wonder if you can crumple a piece of paper as well as your little one?

2. Playing the piano

Paint keys like those on a piano on a piece of paper, then turn on classical music. Ask your toddler to stand on the piece of paper and press and pull the fingers apart in the rhythm of the music. This is a great way to develop eye-hand coordination, as well as concentration skills. And despite appearances - it is not an easy task.

3. Segregating small items into a basket

Prepare some small objects, such as sticks, feathers and balls. Crayons or small cars will also work well. Sit your child on a chair and ask him to sort the items into several baskets with his feet. This exercise is a great workout for the muscles, in addition to math skills (classifying objects helps organize knowledge of the world and practice the ability to observe the environment)."

4. Rolling the ball

To perform this exercise you will need a tennis ball or a sensory ball with different tabs. Place it under the toddler's foot and ask him to roll it back and forth, pressing the foot against the ground. This will stimulate the whole foot to work.

5. Floor cleaning

Combine the pleasant with the useful. Wet a rag and ask your child to wipe the floor with it. Whoever wipes off a larger area faster wins! And you will enjoy a shiny parquet floor.

6. Painting

Spread a large sheet of paper on the floor, then pour paint on flat plates. Ask your child to dip his toes into them and paint a beautiful landscape with them. This game is certainly not one of the cleanest, but it's a lot of fun!

7. Standing on tiptoe

Standing on tiptoes allows the child to learn to properly roll the foot on the ground. Moreover, it shapes balance and strengthens leg and toe muscles. And strong legs mean better balance and greater endurance during daily activities.

Remember that not only exercise is important. Equally important is the footwear in which your child moves every day. It is worth ensuring that they are made of high-quality materials and provide good support for the child's foot. For example, choose soft and comfortable boots that are made of leather, so they insulate well from the cold, are pleasant to the touch and do not irritate the feet.

Regular foot exercise is a great way to support your child's development. Keep this in mind on a daily basis and you will provide your child with a very good environment for development. There is no better investment!