Learning to Walk
Here's What To Do
If I'm able to move around the room by "cruising" (holding onto furniture for balance), help me practice walking while holding your hands.
Kneel face-to-face with me standing on my feet. Hold both of my hands at my shoulder height. "Walk" backwards on your knees and help me take a few steps forward.
If I can take steps while holding onto two hands, try holding onto only one of my hands. Do your best to keep my hand at chest height (you'll likely have to bend over if you're standing).
Celebrate my successful steps!
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Give me a big hug before we start.
Engage:
- "Come to Mama! I've got you, you can do it!"
- "Let's go for a walk and count how many steps you take. One, two, three! Wow, three steps!"
Encourage:
- Give me opportunities to practice walking forward while holding onto something for balance. I can use a small sturdy chair, box, or children's push toy. It may help to add extra weight (like a bag of flour or rice) so I can't push it too quickly.
- Cheer me on when I'm working on taking steps. This is such an exciting milestone!
Reflect:
- Am I able to take forward steps while holding your hands? I might start taking steps by myself soon!
Not quite ready?
Help me "cruise" around the room while holding onto low furniture for balance. Place a favorite toy out of reach to encourage me to walk sideways to grab it.
Ready for more?
Encourage me to take my first independent steps by holding a favorite toy a few steps away.
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to take a few steps forward while holding onto an adult's hands.