AS PART OF TheJournal.ie’s weekly Family Magazine, we wanted to create a space for parents to share their views. A place where mums and dads could share their experiences, lessons learned, and even mistakes along the way.
This week, we asked our Parents Panel about that big developmental moment – when their child took that first wobbly step or two after all that crawling, scooting and pulling up.
What age was your little one when they took their first steps?
Here’s what they had to say…
Ellie Mae’s first steps came at 14 months: It was a very unexpected and emotional event for us, as she was born with scoliosis of the spine. She didn’t even sit up unassisted until 12 months, so for her to get up and walk left us in a state of happy shock. We didn’t manage to capture it on camera but we have made up for it since.
- Denise Cumiskey
It happened his first birthday party: Tymek stood up and took around five steps in front of all the guests. It took him another couple of weeks after that to do it again, and from then on he was walking.
- Marta Lisiecka
Our oldest son began to walk at about 14 months, with not much prep beforehand: He is the kind of child that doesn’t really do things by half, he likes to make sure he can do something before going for it. He just began to walk one day, with minimal falling down and almost no holding on to things. Then there was no stopping him!
- Olly Keegan
Clíodhna was 13 months, outside and covered in mud (her happy place): I was there with both of my parents to see her first steps which was lovely. She knew it was a big moment and was delighted with herself!
- Ríona Flood
For our three it came somewhere between 11 and 13 months: It was always a very special moment for them. It’s such a big developmental milestone for the babies. As parents, you’d always worry if they were developing fast enough, so when they walk and get a new lease of discovery in their life, it’s so great to see.
- Alan Dooley
Charlie took his first steps much earlier than we expected: It was a week before his first birthday, he was playing with our friend’s daughter, she put her hands out and he just ambled over. It was pretty exciting and relatively unexpected, as the public health nurse had advised that he might walk late given his height (and high center of gravity!)
- Kait Quinn
Our eldest walked at about nine months, but just once: She then gave up again for a couple of months before she tried again and ‘got it’. Walking often seemed to be a long time coming, with many attempts (and frustration!) along the way until that eureka moment.
- Ross Boxshall
Want to contribute to our upcoming family event guide? Tell us – what are the best places around Ireland to bring the kids over the Easter holidays? Post your answers in the comments below, check out our Boards.ie thread, or email family@thejournal.ie.
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