Motor development refers to the process by which children learn to control their body movements. This development occurs in stages, starting from simple reflexes in infants to more complex skills like running and jumping as they grow. Factors such as genetics, environment, and practice play a crucial role in how quickly and effectively a child develops these skills. As children progress through different ages, they gain both gross motor skills, which involve large muscle groups for activities like walking and throwing, and fine motor skills, which involve smaller movements for tasks like writing and buttoning. Encouraging play and physical activity can significantly enhance a child's motor development.