How do I get my lazy arse son to walk?

[Kif]

He learnt to 'walk' on his knees when he was about 12 m.o. - and seems unmotivated to walk on his feet. I've seen him do a couple of steps unsupported, he'll potter around with a push-along walker and no problems with standing unaided.

I've been pretty relaxed about it. Walking on his knees has always seemed quite sensible way to 'walk' - he spends a lot of time with boisterous older kids, and knees are obviously harder to get knocked over from. Getting a little fed up now he's 17 months. Would really like him to able to join in running around when we go to the park.

So far I've provided push-along toys and low furniture to cruise around - and just waited for him to figure it out himself. My dad had good success with 'forcing the issue' when we visited for the weekend last month. Every time Ds went to his knees, my dad would hoik him to his feet. Ds kicked up huge stink, shot my dad some filthy looks, but did actually 'perform' once he'd got over being annoyed.

I know how you feel I couldn't wait for DD2 to walk so she could enjoy the park/garden more. It will happen though and I'm sure really soon. Mpst kids are walking by 18 onths and certainly by 2. Although I do know one woman whose DD didn;t walk until she was 2 and 4 months! She bum shuffled till then - all around pre-school!

I can understand the frustration kif but you can't make him if he doesn't feel ready. Ds1 cruised round the furniture for 8/9 months before he finally let go - did my head in but there was no way I could make him do what he was not confident enough to do on his own.

Thanks guys - I'll take it on board.

Laissez faire attitude suits me fine - just feel a bit bad for him sitting in the buggy for hours on end watching his sister running around having fun. I feel reassured I'm not neglecting his development.

And I withdraw my careless label of 'lazy arse'. Would a 'lazy arse' baby stand on his tippitoes on his sister's step-stool in the bathroom, turn the taps on full, then help the flooding bathroom along by scooping the water onto the floor with a cup?

its amazing what mischief they can get up to even when they're not yet walking. Just think what fun and games you're going to have when he does get up on his feet...

How about a ride on, I got ds one from Mothercare for about £7 and he was determined to push it along himself, so by sitting he has to use his feet?

He is only 17months old. He will get there in the end,just let him do it in his own time. There was a little girl at a nusery where I worked,she wlaked on her knes for ages,then at 19months just decided to stand up and walk.