Miss 3 won't walk

My daughter fell over a week ago. She hurt her ankle but it is definitely better now however she refuses to walk.



I have tried magic cream, taking her to Physio and chiro (with both saying she is ok), withholding boob, taking her to her dance class (I had to carry her and dance for her), and bribery - promising to take her to play centres, shopping centres and the park.

Nothing seems to motivate her enough to walk though and it is driving me crazy. She crawls around the house, jumps like a little frog (full weight on her sore ankle) but will not walk.

I just had a hernia repair and cannot lift her for at least 1 week and DH is back to work on wednesday.

Any ideas?

You're sure the ankle is ok?

If so, I'd be tempted to let it run its course.... I'm sure she'll get sick of it before long!

I'd be getting an xray to make sure it really is ok. A week is a long time for her to still not be putting any weight on it.

If she won't walk, then I think perhaps it's not ok.

I would probably get it double checked, but my sister did something similar at that age, they did all sorts of checks which showed nothing and then she just stopped doing it.

If you know for sure there's nothing wrong with her ankle, I'd just ignore it. Explain that you can't lift her because of your operation and just let her get around however she wants to. It won't be long before she realises that walking is a whole lot easier than frog jumping or crawling lol.

Frog jumping def means she's AOK lol.
I'm inclined to go with just ignore the not walking but be sure to explain you can't carry her. End of story. And it's much easier to walk. She'll tire of it eventually. 3yo are awesome at testing you.

Leave her to it. If she wants to crawl and frog jump, let her. Don't carry her, don't dance for her, and don't punish her. She will soon tire of it, and move on.

I suspect it could have something to do with her emotional needs at the mo. Perhaps she's sensing a change because if your injury and is behaving in a way to keep the connection between you in a way she's used too. The other idea is that she's showing some temporary regression which is a normal response to change. I'd suggest lots of reassurance, acknowledgement, (yes honey I know you want me to carry you and I'd love to but I just can't. Lets have a cuddle on the couch instead) physical contact in a way that's safe for both of you and bucket loads of patience.
She may well get very upset and its ok for her to express those feelings and be heard.

So, we had the X-ray and there is definitely nothing wrong with her foot.

I'm beginning to think the walking is hanging around because I now have a wah wah on my belly. I'm really tempted to remove the dressing...

It's really trying but I have clearly told her I will not pick her up. We are now having a battle of wills as to whether she will get up off the floor and use her potty.

You poor thing. Stay strong, she'll be back to normal soon xx

How's your DD going njon2?