Helping babies walk

A baby’s muscle develops from head to toe, and this explains why the baby first controls his torso, then sit up, then crawl, then stand up and finally walk. Most children start walking between nine and fifteen months of age, though some babies take longer.

Walkers supposedly aid babies walk faster, but this is not recommended as babies tend to rely on them too much and as such their upper leg muscles do not develop the way they should. Moreover, worldwide walkers cause 200,000 injuries to babies, many of which are fatal. Similarly, it is advisable to let the child learn walking barefoot.

Parents and adults can aid the child to walk by supporting them on the torso, ensuring the floor is not slippery and encouraging them by calling them and dangling a piece of chocolate or the like as the baby tries to walk.

It is active attention and communication and not expensive aids or toys that facilitate the complete development of babies.

Dealing with child tantrums

All children throw up temper tantrums once in a while, and this is the indication that the child is out of control.

Parents should note never to punish or reward a child for the tantrum, and remain calm when the tantrum takes place. Yelling or spanking from the parents side would only make the situation worse, and giving in to the child’s unreasonable demand would only encourage the child to throw tantrums in an even more intensity at an even more frequency. Since the child would be out of control, it is important to ensure that the child remains safe, and isolate him or her if necessary.

The best way to deal with the tantrum is to ignore the child until the tantrum passes. Once the child settles down, it is necessary to talk and explain why such behavior is not appropriate. Teach them the alternative to throwing tantrums, which would be asking or demonstration. Even toddlers who are unable to speak would understand if the parents explain things to them in a coherent manner.