As silly as it sounds, teaching your child the right way to sit can save them a lot of pain. The wrong way? – The ‘W’ sit.
The ‘W’ sit is a position where your child will have their bum on the floor, legs bent (in the shape of a ‘W’), and feet turned outwards. This is a very common position that is known to cause severe postural problems.
Tema Stein, an osteopath and physical therapist, had this to say about the problematic ‘W’ position: “It can make kids knock-kneed, pigeon-toed or flat-footed, or cause pain in the hips, feet or legs that continues for a lifetime”.
The best way to discourage your child from sitting like this is to suggest alternative sitting positions and lead by example.
Cross legged is said to be a much better position for kids as it allows the torso to rotate and develop strength.
If you see your children in the ‘W’ sit position – don’t panic – but ensure you work with them to develop a healthier sitting position that won’t subject them to injury.
Another piece of key information to put in the ‘Mom Instruction Manual’ and pass onto to new Moms!