GM.C.100 WALKS DOWN STAIRS, HOLDING THE RAIL AND HAND HELD, 2 FEET TO A STEP

For a long time after your child happily walks up stairs she will still continue to get down on her hands and knees and crawl backwards down the stairs. Often this is not from a lack of ability but from habit and lack of confidence. Practice of this skill is aimed to give her this confidence.

How to Asses

Materials: A set of steps, as in GM.C.84.

Method: Hold your child’s hand, place the other hand on the rail and ask her to step down. Score plus if your child steps down the stairs, moving her own hand on the rail.

How to Teach

It is important initially for you to stand in front and facing your child as she steps down, as she will possibly be quite fearful of falling. So, standing below her, hold the free hand and place your hand over her other hand on the rail. Lean her forward and tell her to ‘Step down’. You may need to lean her forward by gently pulling on the hand you are holding.

When she steps down tell her to move her hand forward on the rail and help her if necessary. Continue down 4 to 6 steps and give her a big hug when she reaches the bottom. Gradually release your support of the hand on the rail. When she is happy stepping down and moving her hand on her own, stand to the side of her and hold her hand as you both step down together.

While your child may have one hand on the rail and the other hand held to score plus on this item, start to reduce your support to the side away from the rail as soon as possible. Use the approach described in GM.C.99.