Flamingo Stand
Child stands on one foot for at least two seconds without holding on. Covers two overlapping milestones (Denver II 42-48mo, Stanford 46-62mo). Parent times the balance attempt, observes arm use, and progresses from 2-second target to 5-second challenge and foot-switching. Safety: no elevated surfaces.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Clear floor, no furniture within easy reach. Child in shoes or barefoot — barefoot is slightly harder but fine either way. Stand facing child.
How it works
- 1~20s
Say: 'Can you lift one foot and balance like a flamingo? Hold it as long as you can!' Count 'one, two, three...' aloud. Note: which foot did your child choose? How long before the foot came down? Did they use arms for balance? Tell me.
Watch for: Child balances on one foot for 2+ seconds unsupported
- 2~20s
Now ask your child to try the other foot. 'Can you try the other leg now?' Count again. Most children are stronger on their dominant foot — is there a noticeable difference? Tell me both sides.
Watch for: Child attempts balance on non-dominant foot
- 3~20s
Extension: ask your child to try their better foot again and hold it for a full 5 seconds. Count slowly aloud: 'one elephant, two elephants...' Note: does your child know they're being timed? Do they try harder with the count?
Watch for: Child attempts 5-second one-foot balance