GM.B.90 WALKS BACKWARDS

To be able to step backwards is an important standing balance reaction. Initially, a child will sit down on her bottom if tipped backwards rather than step back to regain her balance. Until she can step backwards her standing and walking balance will be unreliable. Children also use this skill a lot in play.

How to Assess

Method: Stand your child in the middle of the floor and gently tap her backwards. Score plus if your child steps about 3 steps backwards or if you have seen this movement in play.

How to Teach

One method is to stand in front of your child and give her many little taps on her chest or shoulders. This will move her centre of gravity back and cause her to step backwards. You stay just in front of her, tapping her to keep her moving back.

Alternatively, stand behind your child, holding her at the shoulders. Lean her back towards you and hold her uncomfortably off-balance until she steps backwards. She will probably try to hold onto your hands on her shoulders and that really doesn’t matter as long as she steps backwards. If she doesn’t step back it is because you are allowing her to lean against you securely – keep your legs away from her back and just hold her with your hands. You will find that you will be unable to get her to do more than 3 or 4 steps backwards, but that is sufficient; stop, allow her to regain her balance and try again a few minutes later. As with most skills, it is better to do a little and often rather than too much at the one time. You may also try using a pull-along toy. Stand the child facing the toy and holding the string; help her to step back as she pulls the toy towards her.

This skill will he used in GM.B.93 (pushes and pulls large toys).