Admire your little flamingo as they stand on one leg

Your toddler might be starting to occasionally lift one leg when they are supported by either another person, or some furniture. Let's look at some of the skills your budding flamingo will learn as a result of practising this tricky new skill. 

A new sense of balance 

Firstly, your toddler is getting to grips with balancing on one leg; this is a new experience for them. They are setting themselves a huge challenge by doing this, as they are still learning how to maintain balance while standing on two legs. 

Balance takes a lot of coordination. Your toddler has many wobbly moments ahead of them while they explore how to lift one leg confidently.  

Greater controlled movements  

When they are more experienced in standing on one leg, your toddler will gain greater control of locomotor movements.  

When they have more control, you’ll see them begin to achieve things like: 

• Stepping up and down stairs and steps. 
• Getting dressed and undressed. 
• Stepping onto a bike or trike. 
• Climbing on large play equipment. 
• Enhancing their imagination by being able to stomp like a dinosaur or walk like a space person. 

Hopping on the horizon 

When they have lots of experience with balancing on one leg, your toddler will start to dance and begin to hop.