Does your child often sit on their bottom with their legs and feet turned out and bent behind them? If you were to look at them from above their head, their legs would be in the shape of the letter “W.” This pattern of sitting can be cause difficulties for children in the long term, including:
- pigeon toed walking
- malformation of the hip joint
- poor posture
- weak trunk and core muscles
- tight hamstrings
- delayed fine and gross motor skills
- back and hip pain
There are things you can do to help your child:
- Teach and encourage your child to sit in other positions (see picture)
- Play games and activities that build core strength
- Use a consistent phrase to help cue your child into when they are W-sitting, such as “cross your legs”, “legs out”, “criss-cross-applesauce” or “sit properly”
- Seek help – bestchance’s Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists can help in either individual or group sessions. Call 8562 5164
