The Front Doorstep: illustration of a toddler doing the activity

The Front Doorstep

from 16 months · 5 min · Gross motor

What you need

  • a low doorstep

How to do it

  1. Step outside together and hold their hand at the front doorstep.
  2. Let them lift a foot up onto it and bring the other up after.
  3. Step back down together and do it once more.
  4. Go in once they've done it their way.

Why it matters

A doorstep is a single low step you pass every day, so it's easy practice at lifting up with a hand held.

What they're learning

Stepping up
One low step is a climb their legs can manage.
Balance with a hand
Your hand keeps them steady while one foot is off the ground.
Everyday practice
Home time becomes stair time.

What to look for

Watch for them stopping at the doorstep and holding out a hand.

A tip

Stay beside them and hold on the whole time.

Make it easier or harder

Easier: hold both hands

Harder: let them step up holding the door frame instead of your hand

More like this

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Gross motor activities · Activities for 1 year olds · Activities for 18 month olds · Activities for 2 year olds

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