Will Walk For Chocolate

Last week Naftalie made a visit to her pediatrician for routine immunizations. She’s in fantastic health and developmentally advanced or spot on……..accept the fact that she will not walk. The doctor tried in the office to get her to stand, to take a few steps, to toddle with her hands: nothing. I knew it would happen. Naftalie doesn’t want to walk, stand, or do anything other than crawl, and no one is going to make her otherwise. When the pediatrician started talking about testing and a possible ultrasound (for brain fluid blockage?), I internally rolled my eyes and realized that it was time to set aside my usual laid back parenting methods and get down to (walking) business.

So starting last Wednesday, we began walking exercises (when I say exercises I don’t mean anything prescribed by a physician or physical therapist, I mean straight up locking my daughter’s legs and pulling her along). At first, Naftalie fought this. Then I considered what motivates me. Money….won’t work for her for another few years. Praise…..okay, I can do that. Mmmm, chocolate.

Here’s a chocolate chip Naftalie.

Like a moth to a flame, Naftalie lunges for the chip. She began pulling herself up with dexterity and strength I’ve never seen my daughter display. With a chocolate chip in one hand and Naftalie holding my other, I can lead her for what seems like hours around the house. After several days she started standing on her own, but never with out her “carrot”. And then she started standing until she got the chip, and plopped down immediately to enjoy the morsel.

Then I realized something.

With the entire bag, Naftalie will not only stand for several hours at attention, she’ll do pirouettes and has attempted a backflip.

I’ll keep you all updated on the progress. I’m afraid to get her to walk I’m going to have to lure her with a double layered chocolate cake. We’ll do what we’ve got to do.