The New Year has me thinking about new skills and resolutions. Stair climbing is a skill that I work on frequently with children here in the center. This skill requires the ability to walk independently, possess adequate leg strength, and the ability to balance on one leg. Let’s break it down a little.
By 2 years of age, we expect our children to start climbing stairs by using a rail or wall for balance. It will not yet be a mature pattern, and you will see 2 feet on each step before advancing to the next step. Prior to 3 years of age, we start to see that stair climbing is done without holding on, still with 2 feet on a step. From 3-4 years of age, kids start to alternate their feet on the stairs. While this is a range of time, below is a picture looking at the timeline.
Is your child between the ages 2-4 years old? Here are a couple activities that you can incorporate in your day to day play to help with stair climbing abilities:
- Single leg balance: This can be done in a couple ways. Below are my favorites.
- Kicking a soccer ball
- Modified single leg balance: Place one leg on an elevated surface. Start with a stable surface like a book then progress to an unstable surface like a ball.
- Climbing in/out of objects: My favorite is mounting rocking toys or bouncy toys like Roody, but… Do not underestimate the power of a laundry basket!
2. Leg strengthening:
- Squatting to pick up toys: If your child enjoys playing at a pretend kitchen, try placing the toys on the ground and encourage them to pick them up off the ground. Too easy? Throw a pillow under their feet to challenge their balance as they do this.
- Play in deep squat:
- Standing from the ground: Encourage your child to stand up from the floor instead of picking them up. As they approach 3 years old, encourage them to do it with out using their hands.
3. Supervised Stair climbing: What better way to learn a skill than practice that skill?
- Stairs with handheld support
- Progress to placing your little one’s hand on the railing or wall for balance instead of holding their hand.
- The playground is a great location for supervised stair climbing – try different ladders and rock walls. Plus, having a slide on the other side makes it a little more motivating.
How is your child doing with stair climbing? Have you tried anything different that helped them learn how to go up and down the stairs? Please post your comments below!
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