by Sherri Bonis

Created on: July 14, 2009

When you become a parent, you may think you are prepared for that little one to take his or her first steps. As you constantly lift your increasingly heavy baby, you may even think to yourself, "...if only you could walk." Once those little feet hit the floor however, you may be longing for the days when your baby's mobility depended on you and you alone. .

It's amazing to watch a child take their first unassisted steps. They wobble and bobble and most certainly fall down. Thank goodness for their cushiony bottoms and padded diapers. It's this teeter-tottering and stumbling that means your infant has graduated to toddler.

If your son or daughter seems unsure or even scared to walk alone, try toys that are designed to assist new walkers. It just may be that little extra they need to boost their confidence before their ready to do it on their own. A little assurance and encouragement from you will also go a long way. Praise them and make a big deal when they attempt to take a step. Never discourage them if they do fall however. Negative reinforcement will not help your child learn to walk, it will only make them scared to try.

Watching them learn about balance and coordination can leave you in awe, because it wasn't long ago that crawling and pulling up were all the exercise your child had. Once their up and walking, your days will consist of constantly chasing your baby down and trying to get them to sit still for a moment of relaxation. Don't count on it!

Walking is a very important milestone, but it's also one that brings on a whole new set of worries that mom and dad need to be prepared for. Skinned knees, bruised shins and fat lips are inevitable. Make sure you're always at arms length to try and help break a fall, but also to reassure your child if they do happen to fall or get frustrated from walking. And while it's hard to see your little one hit the floor hard, there is no better way for them to lean not to fall down.

As their confidence as a walker increases, so does their independence. Your child will start to want to do things without your help (even if they still need it). They'll try to run ahead of you in grocery stores, try and wriggle out of your arms when you want to hold them, and throw temper tantrums rather than get in a stroller. Try to be patient and remember that while frustrating, it's a necessary stage that ensures your child is developing into a independent toddler. Prepare for messes as they try things on their own, child proof your home, and get some rest. You're gonna need it.

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