learning how to walk down stairs?

[Pumpkin_Pie]

When do children learn to walk down stairs one at a time alternating one foot per step?  (the "normal" adult way to walk down)  My son will be 4 in a few weeks and still can't do this.  I have tried sitting on the stairs in front of him and holding his feet to show him which ones to move next to do it, but he gets all mixed up and stressed out.  He can RUN upstairs one foot at a time with alternating feet, but going down is one stair at a time with first one foot then the other before going on to the next. 

[titania8]

he'll figure it out on his own, when he's ready. don't worry too much about it, and please, let him figure it out. trying to direct his feet has got to be so confusing for a 4 yo! i can't remember when my older boys started alternating feet, but at 5 they do. don't worry, there's not problem with the way he does it, and he really will figure it out when he's ready.

[WantRice]

I usually have at least one first grader in my class who can't do this at the beginning of the year, but I'd say 95% of them can. I'm not sure how the kindergarten kids manage this skill. 

[~Charlie's~Angel~]

Part of it could be a rational fear of falling.  I have to think very carfeully about how im going down a large flight of stairs when I am wearing certain shoes.  Im 31  Its easier to keep steady footing if you go one at a time.  And a half a staircase can look VERY intimidating to a small child. 

My 3.5 year old does great with steps.  Always has.  He was also jumping up and down at 18 months old. 

My 2.5 year old still SUCKS at going down (and even up) steps.  He also is just now figuring out how to jump.  I always chalked it up to differences in balance, and possibly physical attributes (Charlie has very large wide feet, matthew has peanuty feet)

I dont think it matters much though, they will figure it out eventually.  And when they do, you will have LOTS more tumbles down the stairs.  lol 

[LynnS6]

The developmental milestones list this as a skill that's usually mastered around 3 1/2. From what I remember, it's a pretty wide range, and many children don't master this until after 4. What that means, is that your son, at nearly 4, is still within the range of typical development. If he hits 5 and still can't do it, it might be worth having him assessed by a physical therapist.

P.S. Let him figure it out on his own. Trying to teach him isn't working. He'll figure it out quickly when he's ready. It's much faster, for one thing.

[pianojazzgirl]

Also if he's small for his age (or legs on the shorter side) it'll be harder for him to walk down stairs one foot per step than if he's taller.

I agree with the pp that this is something that kids just figure out on their own.  I'd just forget all about it for now and if it's still an issue in a year then you can revisit the situation.

[Pumpkin_Pie]

Thanks for the reassurance, I was thinking that he should be doing it by now, but I will let it go for now.  The day that I tried to help him walk down by holding his feet really wasn't as traumatic as I am betting folks are thinking.  I literally tried once with each foot and he didn't get it and very forcefully demanded "I DON'T WANT TO!" and I let it go.  He is very speedy going up and down, so I guess as long as he can actually get up and down without help that it really isn't a big deal in the end.

Thanks again!

[LynnS6]

If he's speedy going up and down, then I suspect he'll be there very soon. It's the need for speed that leads them to try the alternating feet. You also need a bit of height to your legs!

[reezley]

I don't know if this will help him along (if you're concerned about it) but a good thing to have is a kids' stair rail (from some kid products and kid-proofing catalog or other). We've had one for years, that attaches under the stair railing, running parallel all along it about a foot lower. It's great, really helps them hold the rail the way an adult can and feel more confident on the stairs.