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 Walking Is Not a Skill: Why Getting In and Out of Standing Matters More Than You Think

Most parents celebrate a child's first steps.

And they should.

Walking is one of the most exciting milestones in early development.

But what if I told you that walking itself is not actually the milestone?

Walking is the result of many developmental systems organizing together over time.

In other words:

Walking is not taught. Walking emerges.

The Biggest Misunderstanding About Walking

Many people view walking as a skill that simply appears around 12 months of age.

A child stands up.

A child takes a few steps.

A child walks.

Simple, right?

Not exactly.

Walking is one of the most complex movement achievements in early childhood because it requires the successful integration of:

• Gravity

• Vision

• Balance

• Weight transfer

• Midline organization

• Rotational movement

• Transitional skills

• Locomotion

When these systems work together, walking becomes possib...