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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

Help son can walk, wont walk !!

9 replies

kristatwin · 18/03/2009 08:52

My ds is 18 months old and refuses to walk anywhere, he is ok in the house but outside he wants me to carry him everywhere, and has a screaming fit on the spot until i pick him up, this is especially hard as he has a twin sister and she loves the outdoors and would rather be walking, any advice or tips on how to get him walking !!

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piscesmoon · 18/03/2009 09:00

I would take him somewhere exciting like a park with play equipment. Just let your DD go and play and don't even suggest it to him-leave him sitting in the pushchair. I don't think it would take him long to want to get out and join the fun!

piscesmoon · 18/03/2009 09:02

You could take a football to kick. Once he has got used to playing and running he will probably forget that he doesn't like walking!

Original poster

kristatwin · 18/03/2009 09:13

Thanks for the advice off to a park soon with some play equipment so will let you know how i get on !!

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Elibean · 18/03/2009 09:55

18 mo old psychology: don't let him walk (use buggy or carry) and he'll soon be shouting to walk

Original poster

kristatwin · 18/03/2009 11:29

Went to the park and he walked some of the way and then he wanted to be carried, so i told him either walk or buggy, so he stood there screaming, so in the buggy he went. Elibean you might be right there, will try this approach tomo !!

OP posts:

Flyonthewindscreen · 18/03/2009 11:40

I would say bite the "won't walk" business early, I didn't with DD and was still having battles with her wanting to be carried when she was 3 and in nursery class! with myself for being softie...

SlartyBartFast · 18/03/2009 11:43

i woudl say strap him into buggy, and he will soon yearn to get out. owp, i see you did, well done.

FAQinglovely · 18/03/2009 11:51

well I should imagine my DS3 will be in pushchair when he starts nursery.

They all walk places outside when they're ready -and tbh 18 months is still little, they're still babies (infact at 18 months my DS1 wasn't even walking in the house let alone anywhere else).

I never forced any of mine to walk places before they were ready and none of them were in pushchairs beyond 3yrs old (although I suspect DS3 will be as it's over a mile to where he'll go to nursery and I'll need to ensure that DS1 and 2 get to school on time).

pagwatch · 18/03/2009 15:21

My son was like this for a long time ( with him it was one of the symptoms of his autism so we were dealing with it for a long time).
What worked with him was lifting and hugging and then placing back on the floor and making sure he was settled (IYSWIM) before we tried to walk again.
It was like a confidence thing so I just neede to be much more patient. I gave him lots of hugs and encouragement rather than making it a standoff. I figured that if he was finding it enjoyable he would do it so the screaming and resisting must be because he was not confident/alarmed etc etc.

Whilst this isn't the same scenario of course perhaps that is worth a try - lots of hugs and confidence - reassurance. ratherthan screaming and stand offs. Screaming at any activity can become a habit if you are not careful

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