On the run
A child's advance from walking to running is an exciting, but challenging, new development. Your toddler suddenly has a new-found power and ability, and can dart away from you at any time. At first, she may often trip and fall until she learns to bend her knees more and lift her feet higher.
Try to set aside times each day when she can go outside to run and play. It's safer and more fun than bumping into furniture and walls in the confined spaces of home. Take her into the open space of your yard, a park, or a playground and watch her run, climb, kick, and jump freely. Give her lots of opportunity to play in wide open spaces so that she can improve her abilities at running, climbing, and jumping. In doing so, she will learn to control, coordinate, and manage her body. She may enjoy playing with a ball as you show her how to roll it and run after it. Once she can run, she'll love to play games where she runs away from you and you try to catch her.
Climbing
In the latter part of the second year, your child's urge to climb anywhere and everywhere increases, and he'll try to climb up steps, or onto chairs, sofas, and tables. A climbing toddler may climb out of his crib and let you know it's time to move him into his own bed. Be vigilant, but provide opportunities for him to climb safely.
A toddler loves to climb up stairs, but you'll need to help him come down safely. You might get, or make, a set of three or four steps with a small platform at the top on which he can play and practise climbing. Toddlers also take great pleasure in climbing up, over, and down daddy or mommy. Climbing up and sliding down is also good training and great fun-whether at the park or at home. Cheer him on as he develops each new skill; recognizing his accomplishment spurs him on to the next achievement.
Jumping for joy
Once your toddler can run, she will soon be jumping. Give her the encouragement and the space, and she'll be jumping up and down for the sheer exhilaration of experiencing this new gymnastic manoeuvre. Put on some catchy music. Your toddler will feel the rhythm, invent her own steps, jump to the music, and do her own little dance. You'll both love dancing to the beat of each other's steps.
Cushioning a fall
Toddlers learning to walk will inevitably take quite a few falls. Since you can't prevent your child from falling, it's much safer to let him walk on carpeted surfaces than on hard, slippery floors. It's also much better for his confidence if he doesn't hurt himself or give himself a fright. Bare feet are best for walking at first, because the child can feel the floor and use his toes for balance. Socks alone on a hard, slippery floor can be treacherous, unless you choose nonslip socks. Shoes, if used, should be light and flexible, but have nonslip soles.
