How to do it
You need: A clear soft floor space, A couple of cushions or soft toys to use as markers.
Clear a soft, non-slip space about the length of two adult steps. Put a cushion or soft toy at each end to mark the start and the finish.
- Show your child the bear walk: hands and feet on the floor, bottom in the air, moving one hand and the opposite foot together.
- Let your child bear walk from one marker to the other while you walk alongside.
- Show the crab walk: sitting with hands behind and knees bent, then lifting the hips and walking backwards on hands and feet.
- Have your child crab walk back to the start.
- Add a third animal your child enjoys, such as a bunny hop or a slow lizard crawl, and repeat the loop a few times.
Form cues
- Your child moves an arm and the opposite leg together, rather than both arms then both legs.
- The tummy stays gently firm so the back does not sag towards the floor.
- Your child is smiling and keen to go again - the effort still feels like a game.
Common mistakes
- Racing so fast that the movements become sloppy - slower and steadier builds more skill.
- Doing the circuit on a hard or slippery floor where hands and feet can slide.
- Pushing for one more lap when your child is tired, floppy or losing interest.
Safety: Stop and message your child's physio if your child has increasing pain, a limp that does not settle, or is much more tired or unsettled than usual.