GM.A.46 STANDS AT FURNITURE, SUPPORTING WITH ARMS, AND BOUNCES

The child still relies heavily on her arms for support once she is standing. Her hips are now almost fully under her trunk when she stands. She is not yet able to move her legs sideways, but they are no longer locked at the knees and she can bounce herself by bending and straightening them.

How to Assess

Method: Place your child standing at a rail or low furniture. Use music and demonstration to encourage her to bounce. Score plus if your child bends her knees in a bouncing movement as she stands.

How to Teach

You may find that you do not need to teach this at all. It may start spontaneously because of all the preparatory work you have been doing.

Teach this skill with the help of music.

When she is happy about bending her knees, stand her facing you, holding both her hands and, to music, bounce her arms up and down. Wait for her to bend her knees in time to the music. If you can have the use of a small trampoline with a handrail, it will encourage her to bounce with bent knees. Beware or bouncing on a trampoline with straight knees. Yes, it is possible!– by leaning over onto the handrail and using more arm power than leg power.

A bouncy bed can also be used with you holding her hands. Do not encourage her to jump on a bed unless you feel you can supervise her and prevent falls.

It is fun to practise bouncing with your child standing on your lap and holding your shoulders. This leaves your hands free to control her knees. Stand your child on different surfaces, in bare feet, for short periods so she can experience different textures with her feet.