Walking is a major achievement for your toddler, and it’s an exciting time for you as a parent. But what if your little one is taking a little longer to get the hang of it?
As an experienced Montessori preschool in Fulshear, TX, we know that every parent wants to see their child reach important developmental milestones, like taking their first steps. That’s why our experts have listed some proven ways to help your child walk, even if they’re still hesitant to take those first few steps.
Encourage Crawling to Develop Walking Skills
Crawling is an important precursor to walking, as it helps develop the muscles and coordination your child needs to stand and walk. Encourage your toddler to crawl around, and make sure they have plenty of space to explore.
Make Walking Fun with Play and Games
Your kid is more likely to want to walk if they’re enjoying themselves. Encourage them to take steps by playing games like “follow the leader” or using toys to entice them to move. You could also try holding their favorite toy just out of reach, so they have to take a few steps to reach it.
Provide Support to Build Confidence
Your child may feel more confident about walking if they have some support. Hold their hands and let them take steps while you support them. Or, try using a walker or push toy to give them a little more stability as they explore their environment.
Practice Standing for Balance and Coordination
Before your little one can walk, they need to be comfortable standing. Practice standing with them, holding their hands for support. You could also try having them stand against a wall or piece of furniture for support.
Take off their shoes: Walking barefoot or in socks can help your child develop better balance and coordination, as they can feel the ground beneath them. Plus, shoes can be heavy and cumbersome for little feet.
Watch Out for Toe Walking
Toe walking is quite common in children, where they walk on their toes instead of their heels to touch the ground. It is usually observed in toddlers who are learning to walk. While toe walking is not always a cause for concern if your child persistently toe walks, speak to your pediatrician for guidance. With proper care and intervention, children can overcome toe walking and develop a healthy walking pattern.
Be Patient
As parents, it’s natural to want to see your kid hit milestones at the same pace as their peers. However, it’s important to remember that every child is unique and will reach developmental milestones at their own pace. Some children may take longer to start walking independently, and that’s okay.
It’s essential to be patient and provide your little angel with a supportive and encouraging environment. Remember that your child is constantly learning and growing, and it’s crucial to celebrate each small milestone along the way.
If you’re looking for a nurturing and supportive environment for your child to learn and grow, we suggest you consider our toddler daycare in Fulshear, TX. At Centerra Ranch Montessori School, we emphasize independence, self-guided learning, and a supportive environment for children to explore and develop at their own pace. Our trained and experienced staff provide individualized care and attention, helping your child build confidence and skills while having fun and making new friends.
Our family-oriented preschool also offers child transition programs, after-school care, and daycare services in Fulshear, TX. Contact us today to schedule a visit and see our approach in action.
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