My daughter (4) when she goes up the stairs she does go up with one foot on one step then the other foot on the next step. Instead she takes her left foot on the first step then adds her right foot to that same step. Then takes her left foot to the next step then adds her right foot to that same step. Is this a common behavior for a 4yo? I I don't remember my boys doing that.

By Luvn29 on Wednesday, August 4, 2004 - 09:29 pm:

I have seen lots of children do this. I think they keep their balance better this way and feel steadier rather than only having one foot on each step at a time.

I wouldn't worry about it, before long she'll be running up those steps and not looking back!

By Tink on Wednesday, August 4, 2004 - 10:14 pm:

My daughter is only three but this is what she does also. My dd has some balance issues (she didn't walk until 18 months and didn't jump until about 4 months ago) but I talked to her pediatrician about it. She said that it is still in the normal range of development and she would be more concerned if my dd still used her hands to steady herself. I don't think you need to worry about it, even if your dd is a bit older.

By Marcia on Thursday, August 5, 2004 - 12:19 am:

That's typical for all kids, when they're first climbing stairs. When they're more confident, they start alternating feet.
She might also be so used to walking up and down that way, that she hasn't tried alternating. Have you shown her how? That might be all it takes.

By Lauram on Thursday, August 5, 2004 - 07:24 pm:

I agree that you could "show" her and "practice" it. She should be able to do this soon on her own but just may need a little practice. With older kids (SPED kids) at my school, they HAVE to walk up and down with one foot in front of the other. I believe it has something to do with crossing the midline- or at least making progress towards that. I would also think playing skipping, galloping and hopping games might help as well with her development. How close to five is she? Or did she just turn four?