My child can't stack blocks well—they keep toppling over

Q: My child can't stack blocks well—they keep toppling over

The act of stacking actually requires the control to "let go gently," which is a harder skill than gripping. Toppling isn't a failure. Enjoying the sound and feel of the blocks falling, and the very experience of stacking them again, builds the ability to try things through trial and error. Don't fixate on a finished form; start with larger, lighter blocks. Having an adult stack one as a model, and taking turns stacking, is great too. Beyond the hands, stable sitting posture also affects how easily they can stack.

Question

Accepted Answer

The act of stacking actually requires the control to "let go gently," which is a harder skill than gripping. Toppling isn't a failure. Enjoying the sound and feel of the blocks falling, and the very experience of stacking them again, builds the ability to try things through trial and error.

Don't fixate on a finished form; start with larger, lighter blocks. Having an adult stack one as a model, and taking turns stacking, is great too. Beyond the hands, stable sitting posture also affects how easily they can stack.