Big Box Push Along

What you need

• large box
• chunky toys

How to do it

1. Load a few chunky toys into a large, sturdy cardboard box. Anything that fits through a toilet roll tube is too small.
2. Show your toddler pushing the box slowly across the floor with both hands.
3. Let them push it themselves, steering around furniture legs or cushions.
4. Add or swap the toys inside and set off again.

Why it matters

Pushing a loaded box and steering it around obstacles builds the same whole-body balance and control behind early walking and running. The box came from this week's delivery and gets pushed flat for the recycling once the game is done.

What they're learning

Balance

Pushing a loaded box in a straight line asks for steady, whole-body control.

Hand strength

Pushing against the box's weight builds arm and hand strength.

Focus & persistence

Steering the box the whole way across the room keeps them on one task.

What to look for

Watch for them adjusting their push to steer around an obstacle rather than stopping dead in front of it.

A tip

Clear a wide, open path first and keep an eye on table and furniture corners.

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