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Walking and Talking
Toddler Language and Development Questions Answered by the Experts
By iParenting Staff
Your toddler may not be familiar with the high-wire act at the circus, but she'll still love playing this game. "Place a jump rope in a straight line on the floor," Pica says. "Then, placing one foot in front of the other and holding arms out to the sides, the two of you walk the 'tightrope' from one end to the other and back again. Accompany this activity with circus music if you can!"
"Little ones love to jump up and down – despite the fact that, between 18 and 24 months, they fall a lot when doing so!" Pica says. "Start small, and simply bounce lightly, with only the heels coming off the floor (you might also hold one or both of her hands for this activity). Then graduate to 'popcorn popping,' or jumping lightly into the air."
Another possibility: Place a jump rope or something similar on the floor and jump over it. "Your toddler may at first have to turn around when he gets to the other side so he's always jumping in a forward direction, but eventually he'll be able to jump both forward and backward over the rope," Pica says. "Jumping also promotes muscular strength and endurance."