What is a common sign of trouble with the gross motor skills in a preschool-aged child?

The presence of trouble with pedaling can indicate a delay in gross motor skills for a preschool-aged child. Gross motor skills involve the coordination and control of large muscle groups that enable movements such as running, jumping, and climbing, as well as more complex tasks like riding a tricycle or bicycle. Pedaling requires not only the strength and coordination of the legs but also the ability to balance and maintain body control while in motion.

When a child has difficulty pedaling, it may reflect challenges in muscle coordination, balance, and the integration of cognitive skills such as understanding how pedaling propels movement. Children typically start to develop these skills between the ages of three and five; thus, any significant difficulties in pedaling can be a red flag that signals the need for further observation or intervention in their gross motor development.

By contrast, other options, while they may suggest issues with gross motor skills as well, are not as specifically linked to the same developmental milestones as pedaling. Thus, trouble with pedaling stands out as a clear indicator of potential gross motor skill concerns in preschool-aged children.