Starfish Therapies

A pediatric therapy company operating in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. We provide physical, occupational, speech and aquatic therapy services in the most beneficial and convenient setting for you and your child, including our clinic, currently located in Burlingame, your home, school or daycare.

  • Therapy Services
    • Our Services
    • Motor Smart Kids
    • Telehealth
    • Continuing Education
    • New Patient Forms
  • For Parents
    • FAQ
    • Games & Tools
    • Blog & Insights
    • Free Resources
    • FREE Yoga Cards!
  • About Us
    • Why Choose Us?
    • Our Mission & Values
    • Our Team
    • Careers
  • Get Started
    • Contact Us
    • Plan of Care Evaluation
    • Telehealth Consult
  • Cart
  • Try Alphabet Yoga Cards for Free >>

The Long Road to Walking

December 1, 2010 by Stacy Menz

I recently put together some footage for a video of some of the hard work that goes into walking for children with developmental disabilities. However, the same concepts can apply to any child who is learning to walk.

Balance is a huge factor for learning to walk. Give your child the chance at success first by controlling the environment they are learning in. It should be short distances, level ground, sturdy shoes, not a lot of distractions going on around them and lots of motivation/rewards.  This looks like toys that interest them, mom or dad cheering them on, etc.

As they start to get some success add in fun challenges such as ‘dancing’ or trying to pick up a toy from the ground, turning around to head in a different direction, different terrain (carpet, hardwood, grass), bare feet vs shoes, etc.

These are things that can make learning to walk fun for a child who has to work extra hard at it!

Related

Filed Under: Developmental Milestones Tagged With: balance, coordination, developmental delay, education, exercise, gross motor development, kids, moms, motor planning, Motor Smart Kids, physical therapy, shoes, Starfish Therapies, strengthening, walking

Search

Primary Programs

  • Motor Smart Kids
    • Free Play
    • Kids Action Hour
    • Yoga for Kids of All Abilities
    • Functional Movement Screen
    • Video Running Analysis
    • Youth Sports Injury Prevention
    • Concussion Screening and Management
  • Continuing Education
    • Adults with Cerebral Palsy: Evidence Based Evaluation and Treatment
  • Resources
    • Telehealth
    • Informational Handouts
    • Useful Websites
    • Recommended Readings
    • Helpful Products
    • Blogs to Follow
    • Favorite Therapy Products at amazon.com

What Clients Are Saying

Our family moved to the bay area 6 years ago, and Starfish Therapies have been a part of our family ever since. Everyone at the clinic is caring and warm. The owner always looks for ways to improve the clinic and the services provided. The therapists are patient, enthusiastic, and know how to motivate the kids to do their best. Even after moving more than an hour away from the clinic, we kept going back to Starfish for intensive therapy sessions every summer! We cannot thank Starfish Therapies enough for helping my daughter to get stronger and to become more independent over the years!”

Recent Blog Posts

  • ABC’s of Pediatric Occupational Therapy
  • Out-toeing in Children: Why Kids Walk with Feet Pointing Out
  • Teaching Babies to Roll from Belly to Back: Sleep Solutions During Motor Milestones
  • Why You Need to Know What’s Really Causing Your Child’s In-Toeing
  • Fun Ways to Build Lateral Stability in Kids with Movement Challenges

Subscribe To Our Emails

Subscribe and receive access to our FREE products, incredible list of pdfs, websites, readings, and many other useful recommendations!

Policies

  • Full Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • HIPAA Patient Notice
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cancellation Policy

Patient Resources

  • New Patient Intake Forms
  • Starfish Resources
  • Our Services

Clinical Resources

  • Career Opportunties

Contact

  (650) 638-9142
  (650) 638-9141
  admin@starfishtherapies.com

Join Our Online Community

Location

BURLINGAME
  1541 Old Bayshore Highway
  Burlingame, CA 94010
 
  Directions to Doors 1 and 2

Search

© Copyright 2025 Starfish Therapies · All Rights Reserved · Powered by babaLucas