Understanding Your Child's Sensory Signals ***Sensory Tip of the Day!*** Do you have a little "W-sitter"? It is important to address this at an early age, it can adversely affect development. Possible reasons why children W-sit: 1. Poor trunk control and lack of core strength 2. Feels good to the nervous system, since it provides a dose of proprioception to the lower body 3. It makes sitting "easy", often due to lack of pelvic stability 4. Can serve as a sensory anchor which is regulating for the nervous system Reasons why children should NOT W-sit: 1. W-sitting places too much strain on the knee and hip joints, which can lead to orthopedic issues 2. Does not allow for proper core strength development 3. Inhibits trunk rotation and crossing midline 4. It is a very hard habit to break once the brain and body develops muscle memory for this position. 5. Creates substitution patterns for functional sitting posture Ideas to Help! 1. Encourage (without scolding or making it seem as though they are doing something bad) to "switch their legs"....say this in a supportive and fun tone. 2. Encourage long leg sitting, criss cross applesauce, or side sitting instead 3. Encourage sitting on a ball chair, T-stool, or low bench instead 4. Encourage prone on elbows (laying on tummy) as an alternate floor position ~Angie Voss, OTR
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