Rail Up, Rail Down
What you need
- the stairs at home, with a banister they can reach
How to do it
- Clear the stairs and start at the bottom together.
- Put their hand on the banister and let them lead the way up on their own feet, with you one step below them.
- At the top, go down first and stay one step below them as they come down, holding the rail.
- Go up and down again if they ask, at their speed.
Why it matters
With the rail in their hand and you one step below, the stairs are theirs to climb and come down, at their own speed.
What they're learning
- Using the rail
- One hand on the banister, all the way up and all the way down.
- Coming down forwards
- Facing the way they are going, with you just below.
- Their own pace
- You follow their speed on every step.
What to look for
Notice the look they give you from the top step.
A tip
Bare feet or shoes with grip, never socks on smooth stairs. Stay within arm's reach on every step, with nothing in their hands but the rail and nothing in yours. Close the stair gate again afterwards, if you have one.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: go up on their feet and come down sitting, one step at a time, with you one step below
Harder: on the way up, try one foot to each step, still holding the rail
