Stair step challenge
1–2 yearsEmotional WellbeingMaterials: Stairs with railing or wall support
With close supervision, let your child practice climbing 2-3 stairs while holding your hand or a railing. They may stumble or struggle. Stay close and say you're climbing or hold on tight, but let them work through the physical challenge. When they reach the top, acknowledge their effort with you worked hard to climb up.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
With close supervision, let your child practice climbing 2-3 stairs while holding your hand or a railing. They may stumble or struggle. Stay close and say you're climbing or hold on tight, but let them work through the physical challenge. When they reach the top, acknowledge their effort with you worked hard to climb up.
Why It Works
Physical challenges provide concrete opportunities for toddlers to experience effort, temporary difficulty, and success. Climbing stairs with support offers a manageable challenge that builds both physical skills and emotional resilience. School-based resilience interventions show significant increases in engagement and motivation when children practice overcoming challenges with support (Castro-Olivo et al., 2022).
Tips for Parents
Spot your child closely but avoid lifting them up the stairs unless absolutely necessary for safety.
Use simple encouraging words during the climb. One more step. You're doing it.
If your child wants to stop partway, that's okay. You can say we'll try again later and respect their limits.
Materials Needed
Stairs with railing or wall support
Learning Methods
Hands-On ExplorationLanguage-Rich Environment
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