Observe whether the child: jumps off an object and lands appropriately.
What it looks like
Three ways this behaviour shows up as a child grows. Each level includes everyday moments to watch for.
Emerging
Just starting
Attempts small jumps from low heights with prompting, but landing is stiff or unsteady and often results in a stumble or hands down.
What you might see
Moves to the edge of a low step/bench and climbs down carefully rather than jumping.
Jumps off a low surface and falls onto hands/knees, or sits down immediately after landing.
Needs an adult to hold both hands to attempt a jump down from a low step.
Jumps down from a small step only after an adult counts down or stands very close.
Lands with straight legs and rocks forward/backward to stop themselves.
Jumps and lands feet apart unevenly, then takes several quick steps to avoid falling.
Expected
On track
Jumps off a low object independently and usually lands on two feet, though balance recovery may be wobbly or delayed.
What you might see
Jumps off a low step and lands on two feet, then wobbles and uses arms to regain balance.
Uses a simple “bend knees” reminder to improve landing (less stomp, fewer stumbles).
Repeats a jump several times from the same object, showing steadier landings by the end.
Exceeding
Going further
Jumps off suitable objects with control, landing on two feet with bent knees and regaining balance quickly across different surfaces.
What you might see
Jumps off a low platform and lands softly with knees bent, staying upright without hands touching down.
Chooses an appropriate height to jump from and checks the landing space is clear first.
Jumps down onto grass/mat and adjusts by bending knees more than on a hard surface.
Jumps off after a short run-up and still lands under control, stopping within one or two steps.
Changes technique when the surface is slippery/uneven (slows down, looks, bends knees deeper).
Shows another child how to land safely (e.g., “Two feet, bend your knees”) and waits their turn.
Try this at home
Small everyday moments where you can notice this behaviour without setting up anything special.
At the park, choose a very low step/log and ask “Can you jump down and land like a quiet mouse?” and notice whether your child bends knees and stays balanced.
During outdoor play, watch whether your child checks the space is clear before jumping off a low object (no toys/people in the landing zone).
At home, place a cushion or mat on the floor and observe whether your child can jump from a safe low height (e.g., a single step) and land on two feet without falling.
In a pretend-play game (frogs/kangaroos), notice whether your child can jump down and then stop themselves without crashing into furniture or others.
During transitions (getting shoes on/going out), notice whether your child jumps off a small curb/step appropriately for the surface, rather than leaping from unsafe heights.
Connected behaviours
Behaviours that scaffold, follow, or co-emerge with this one.
