Children often sit in the shape of the letter W, and they can spend several hours in this position, while playing. Nevertheless, most people do not understand that that position can actually harm their children. However, every professional orthopedist will warn you not to allow your children to sit like this.
The Negative Effects of ‘W-Sitting’ Include:
- Orthopedic Problems
- Delayed Development of Postural Control and Stability
- Delayed Development of Refined Motor Skills
These are the primary reasons why having a child sit in this position is strongly discouraged. We want our children to grow strong, and this type of sitting prevents that. It also puts unnecessary strain on the body.
Exclusive ‘W-Sitting’ Puts Undue Stress On:
- The Hip Abductors
- Hamstrings
- Internal Rotators
- Heel Cords
Dislocation is easy and common with children who commonly sit in this position. Also, sitting in this position leads to shortened or tightened muscles. This can affect the development of motor skills, balance, and coordination. Also, ‘W-sitting’ results in less need for stability, postural control, and weight shift during play. This weakens the trunk muscles or hinders their development.
