Throughout early childhood development, children should be encouraged to sit ‘on their bottoms’ to discourage W sitting. W sitting is when children sit on the floor with their lower legs on the outside of their thighs. This type of sitting adversely affects hip joint rotation, and tightens hip muscles, eventually creating issues with knees and ankles. The result is that balance and coordination can be seriously compromised. Ultimately, the trunk stability needed for fine motor coordination, including handwriting skills, is also negatively affected.
Positively encourage your young child to ‘sit on your bottom’ when on the floor. Sitting in a ‘pretzel style’ is best; children can also side sit, circle sit, or long sit. If these are difficult for children who have been W sitting for some time, a pillow can be used as additional support. Laying on the belly, using elbows to prop up the trunk, also increases trunk stability. Working at a low table on the knees can also be supportive.
♥Ms. Connie
©ckvogt 10/30/2014
Positively encourage your young child to ‘sit on your bottom’ when on the floor. Sitting in a ‘pretzel style’ is best; children can also side sit, circle sit, or long sit. If these are difficult for children who have been W sitting for some time, a pillow can be used as additional support. Laying on the belly, using elbows to prop up the trunk, also increases trunk stability. Working at a low table on the knees can also be supportive.
♥Ms. Connie
©ckvogt 10/30/2014