Why Is Running So Hard For Him?
A Parent’s Guide to Gross Motor Development
Child running behind peers during outdoor play while developing gross motor skills and confidence. Pediatric physical therapy services in Bergen County, NJ.
Summer is filled with playgrounds, camps, sports, and opportunities for children to run, jump, and play with friends.
For some children, these activities come naturally.
For others, they can feel frustrating.
Parents often tell us:
"He always seems to be the last one."
"He avoids games that involve running."
"He gets tired so quickly."
"He'd rather watch than participate."
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.
Running is actually a very complex skill. It requires strength, balance, coordination, endurance, body awareness, and confidence.
Some children struggle because their muscles tire more quickly. Others may have difficulty coordinating their movements efficiently. Some children avoid running because they have experienced falls, feel less confident than their peers, or simply find physical activities harder than other children do.
The good news is that difficulty running doesn't automatically mean something is wrong.
However, it can be a sign that a child may benefit from additional support to build strength, coordination, balance, and endurance.
One thing we encourage parents to watch for is whether their child consistently avoids active play. Children naturally gravitate toward activities that feel successful. If running always feels hard, they may begin choosing more sedentary activities instead.
Parents can support gross motor development by:
• Encouraging active outdoor play
• Visiting playgrounds regularly
• Playing simple chasing games
• Riding bikes or scooters
• Focusing on fun rather than performance
Most importantly, remember that every child develops at their own pace.
Small improvements add up over time.
Take Home Message
If running seems unusually difficult for your child, trust your instincts. Sometimes children simply need opportunities to practice. Other times they may benefit from support, like physical therapy, to build the skills and confidence needed to keep up with their peers and enjoy active play.
Related Resources
The Village Therapy Place provides Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Feeding Therapy, and DIR® Floortime services for children throughout Bergen County, NJ. Our team is dedicated to helping children build confidence, skills, and meaningful connections through individualized, relationship-based care.