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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Do You Encourage Children To "Fix Their Legs" When In The "W" Sit?
canadiancare 07:22 AM 04-04-2013
I have always done so and I have also noticed more and more that my weaker kids developmentally are the ones who sit that way.
I am thinking of doing some research to write a paper on the W sit and I was wondering if any of you have similar experience.
I am thinking of doing some research to write a paper on the W sit and I was wondering if any of you have similar experience.
bunnyslippers 07:23 AM 04-04-2013
It is very bad for their future joints. W sitting should always be discouraged.
littlemissmuffet 07:28 AM 04-04-2013
I always correct W sitting and recommend for my parents to do so as well.
TheGoodLife 07:35 AM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by canadiancare:
I have always done so and I have also noticed more and more that my weaker kids developmentally are the ones who sit that way.
I am thinking of doing some research to write a paper on the W sit and I was wondering if any of you have similar experience.
Is that where they sit with their knees in front of them and legs bent backward to the outside?I have always done so and I have also noticed more and more that my weaker kids developmentally are the ones who sit that way.
I am thinking of doing some research to write a paper on the W sit and I was wondering if any of you have similar experience.
canadiancare 07:39 AM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by Mama2Bella:
Is that where they sit with their knees in front of them and legs bent backward to the outside?
yes and their bum is kind of on the floor between their feetIs that where they sit with their knees in front of them and legs bent backward to the outside?
It splays the hips but it also limits cross body play because they can't rotate their torsos as well so they end up with a pile of toys between their knees and not much movement.
Unregistered 07:44 AM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by canadiancare:
yes and their bum is kind of on the floor between their feet
It splays the hips but it also limits cross body play because they can't rotate their torsos as well so they end up with a pile of toys between their knees and not much movement.
So kind of the opposite of criss cross apple sauce? yes and their bum is kind of on the floor between their feet
It splays the hips but it also limits cross body play because they can't rotate their torsos as well so they end up with a pile of toys between their knees and not much movement.
I don't think I've had a child do that here but I do discourage kneeling to play.
TheGoodLife 07:45 AM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by canadiancare:
yes and their bum is kind of on the floor between their feet
It splays the hips but it also limits cross body play because they can't rotate their torsos as well so they end up with a pile of toys between their knees and not much movement.
I never notice my kids sitting that way, but I remember doing it when I was a kid- I'm going to look out for that now yes and their bum is kind of on the floor between their feet
It splays the hips but it also limits cross body play because they can't rotate their torsos as well so they end up with a pile of toys between their knees and not much movement.
I can totally see how it would be bad on the joints!
safechner 07:49 AM 04-04-2013
What the heck do you think it is weak for kid who sits like "W?" My daughter always sit like this but she turned out fine. She is a 10 year old... I think it is nothing wrong with it. When I was a little that I used to sit "W" but I do not have any joints problem...
bunnyslippers 07:58 AM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by safechner:
What the heck do you think it is weak for kid who sits like "W?" My daughter always sit like this but she turned out fine. She is a 10 year old... I think it is nothing wrong with it. When I was a little that I used to sit "W" but I do not have any joints problem...
I have a good friend who is an OT and she has told me that sitting in a W is very bad for adult leg joints. It also limits midline crossing in development for some children.What the heck do you think it is weak for kid who sits like "W?" My daughter always sit like this but she turned out fine. She is a 10 year old... I think it is nothing wrong with it. When I was a little that I used to sit "W" but I do not have any joints problem...
I W sat as a child, and I now have arthritis in my hips.
canadiancare 08:20 AM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by safechner:
What the heck do you think it is weak for kid who sits like "W?" My daughter always sit like this but she turned out fine. She is a 10 year old... I think it is nothing wrong with it. When I was a little that I used to sit "W" but I do not have any joints problem...
if you google W sitting you will find lots of scholarly articles by OTs, PTs and other professionals who all attest to the fact that it isn't good for children to sit that way.What the heck do you think it is weak for kid who sits like "W?" My daughter always sit like this but she turned out fine. She is a 10 year old... I think it is nothing wrong with it. When I was a little that I used to sit "W" but I do not have any joints problem...
Blackcat31 08:36 AM 04-04-2013
I sit in a "w" shape all the time. No hip or knee issues.
I've never even notice if a kid is sitting in any specific way other than their butt must be on the ground. I can't stand when kids sit on their feet.
I've never even notice if a kid is sitting in any specific way other than their butt must be on the ground. I can't stand when kids sit on their feet.
MsLaura529 08:38 AM 04-04-2013
I have also heard of the "W" position being a poor choice for sitting. It kind of goes along with weak ab mucles from not having enough tummy time as an infant. My 3.5 DD apparently didn't get as much as she needed (we encouraged it often, but some babies need more than others) and started showing signs of a weak core last year.
I've been so intrigued about all of these discoveries since learning about this with my DD. (Ex. weak core muscles can lead to poor fine motor skills, like writing, in elementary school).
I've been so intrigued about all of these discoveries since learning about this with my DD. (Ex. weak core muscles can lead to poor fine motor skills, like writing, in elementary school).
canadiancare 08:53 AM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
I sit in a "w" shape all the time. No hip or knee issues.
I've never even notice if a kid is sitting in any specific way other than their butt must be on the ground. I can't stand when kids sit on their feet.
are your knees splayed or are you sitting in the virasana yoga pose with your knees together and bum down between your feet? I sit in a "w" shape all the time. No hip or knee issues.
I've never even notice if a kid is sitting in any specific way other than their butt must be on the ground. I can't stand when kids sit on their feet.
good flexibility on you
Blackcat31 09:00 AM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by canadiancare:
are your knees splayed or are you sitting in the virasana yoga pose with your knees together and bum down between your feet?
good flexibility on you
I think I am just really flexible are your knees splayed or are you sitting in the virasana yoga pose with your knees together and bum down between your feet?
good flexibility on you
I can stand with my knees locked and easily place both hands flat on the floor as well as being able to put my feet behind my head. 
When I say "W" sitting, I mean like this:
canadiancare 09:05 AM 04-04-2013
Blackcat31 09:06 AM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by canadiancare:
here is an example of what I mean
Yep, I sit just like that almost all the time. here is an example of what I mean
Either "W" or squatting. (My DH jokes that I was an Aborigine in my previous life.
)
canadiancare 09:07 AM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
Yep, I sit just like that almost all the time.
Either "W" or squatting. (My DH jokes that I was an Aborigine in my previous life.)
squatting is really good for you. I try to tidy up in either a squat or a lunge motion. Got to get the exercise in where I can.Yep, I sit just like that almost all the time.
Either "W" or squatting. (My DH jokes that I was an Aborigine in my previous life.
)
itlw8 09:17 AM 04-04-2013
I sat that way as a kid I was really limber. I also sat with my legs wide and my elbows down on the floor. Funny thing will all my joint problems my hips are still fine. Dr said that had nothing to do with my knee problems either.
excess weight, wide hips that are good for childbirth , marching band and trampoline in HS mostly being an overweight woman mostly cause my knee problems... oh an my use of diet soda carbonation is really bad for joints.
excess weight, wide hips that are good for childbirth , marching band and trampoline in HS mostly being an overweight woman mostly cause my knee problems... oh an my use of diet soda carbonation is really bad for joints.
Starburst 09:36 AM 04-04-2013
Anytime we played or were on the floor during circle time when I was a kid our teachers would always say "criss cross apple sauce" and everyone would do it- I don't think I have really ever seen kids sit W style. I never remember sitting like that but I would sometiems kneel or sit on my feet and that hurts after a while.
Brooksie 09:41 AM 04-04-2013
I have a question for you guys. I have a little 9 mo old who does a half W sit. Not the full blown, but one of his legs is bent back while the other stick straight out in front. It looks like his leg it broken when he does it. I do a similar move in yoga but the bent leg comes around the front. lol Does this fall into the same category? I always try to correct him but I was just wondering what you guys would think of this.
Starburst 09:43 AM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by Brooksie:
I have a question for you guys. I have a little 9 mo old who does a half W sit. Not the full blown, but one of his legs is bent back while the other stick straight out in front. It looks like his leg it broken when he does it. I do a similar move in yoga but the bent leg comes around the front. lol Does this fall into the same category? I always try to correct him but I was just wondering what you guys would think of this.
I think that sould have its own name. Like a partial "W" or a lower case "h" style.I have a question for you guys. I have a little 9 mo old who does a half W sit. Not the full blown, but one of his legs is bent back while the other stick straight out in front. It looks like his leg it broken when he does it. I do a similar move in yoga but the bent leg comes around the front. lol Does this fall into the same category? I always try to correct him but I was just wondering what you guys would think of this.
canadiancare 09:44 AM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by Brooksie:
I have a question for you guys. I have a little 9 mo old who does a half W sit. Not the full blown, but one of his legs is bent back while the other stick straight out in front. It looks like his leg it broken when he does it. I do a similar move in yoga but the bent leg comes around the front. lol Does this fall into the same category? I always try to correct him but I was just wondering what you guys would think of this.
I think 9 months is young to worry about it. They are just working out their balance. If you see his sitting doesn't evolve with age/development then I might be concerned. The main thing is to watch for movement/displacement while playing. A kid who sits in a W without moving, adjusting their legs is the one you worry about. The kid who transitions between a bunch of different positions is fine.I have a question for you guys. I have a little 9 mo old who does a half W sit. Not the full blown, but one of his legs is bent back while the other stick straight out in front. It looks like his leg it broken when he does it. I do a similar move in yoga but the bent leg comes around the front. lol Does this fall into the same category? I always try to correct him but I was just wondering what you guys would think of this.
jokalima 09:46 AM 04-04-2013
Never thought about it as something that is negative for them. I usually don't tell them how to sit only during group time and when eating at the table.
lolaland 09:47 AM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by canadiancare:
I have always done so and I have also noticed more and more that my weaker kids developmentally are the ones who sit that way.
I am thinking of doing some research to write a paper on the W sit and I was wondering if any of you have similar experience.
When my daughter was 3 years old and waiting for an evaluation for autism, the Physical Therapist in the Public School Department said that, between many other examples, my daughter sitting on the floor like a W was one of the signs for autism. This made me cry for hours and since then I will not allow any child in my presence to sit in that manner... I will/would always say “pretzel legs, please”I have always done so and I have also noticed more and more that my weaker kids developmentally are the ones who sit that way.
I am thinking of doing some research to write a paper on the W sit and I was wondering if any of you have similar experience.
Brooksie 09:56 AM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by Starburst:
I think that sould have its own name. Like a partial "W" or a lower case "h" style.
I think that sould have its own name. Like a partial "W" or a lower case "h" style.
lower case h teehee
melilley 10:51 AM 04-04-2013
My daughter used to sit like that when she was younger. She is 10 now, I guess she grew out of it. She doesn't have any problems, but I could see problems arising if she still sat like that!
rmc20021 11:06 AM 04-04-2013
I've never paid attention to this before so I don't even know if my kids do it or not...I DO know that earlier I was sitting on a bean bag myself in this fashion and had the hardest time getting up, and when I did, my knees hurt really bad. So I can absolutely see how it can be a problem...just thought it was me being old.
I will pay more attention to the kids though...
I will pay more attention to the kids though...
lolaland 11:21 AM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by lolaland:
When my daughter was 3 years old and waiting for an evaluation for autism, the Physical Therapist in the Public School Department said that, between many other examples, my daughter sitting on the floor like a W was one of the signs for autism. This made me cry for hours and since then I will not allow any child in my presence to sit in that manner... I will/would always say “pretzel legs, please”
By the way... my daughter overcame her “autistic signs” and is now a very bright and very healthy 7 year old girl!! When my daughter was 3 years old and waiting for an evaluation for autism, the Physical Therapist in the Public School Department said that, between many other examples, my daughter sitting on the floor like a W was one of the signs for autism. This made me cry for hours and since then I will not allow any child in my presence to sit in that manner... I will/would always say “pretzel legs, please”
EntropyControlSpecialist 11:57 AM 04-04-2013
I still sit like this and I am nearly 25. Before I was pregnant, I'd sleep like this as well. My parents and my husband called it "froggy position."Guess I'd better stop....
Funny that it's a sign for autism. I have Asperger's.
Preschool/daycare teacher 03:47 PM 04-04-2013
I have had a girl in my care since she was a year and a half. She'll be going to Kindergarten this fall 
Anyway, I've noticed her sitting like that quite a bit, and her mom and myself have tried to remind her to sit in another way whenever we see her sit that way, but it is the hardest habit to break. She still does it sometimes and it's been over a year since we started trying to break the habit of sitting like that. I've noticed she runs differently than other children who do not sit in the W position. Her legs kind of go out to the side from her knees when she's running.
Anyway, I've noticed her sitting like that quite a bit, and her mom and myself have tried to remind her to sit in another way whenever we see her sit that way, but it is the hardest habit to break. She still does it sometimes and it's been over a year since we started trying to break the habit of sitting like that. I've noticed she runs differently than other children who do not sit in the W position. Her legs kind of go out to the side from her knees when she's running.
Kaddidle Care 06:50 PM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by bunnyslippers:
I have a good friend who is an OT and she has told me that sitting in a W is very bad for adult leg joints. It also limits midline crossing in development for some children.
I W sat as a child, and I now have arthritis in my hips.
And I took many years of ballet and also have arthritis in my hips. Any unnatural stress in the joints is not a good thing.I have a good friend who is an OT and she has told me that sitting in a W is very bad for adult leg joints. It also limits midline crossing in development for some children.
I W sat as a child, and I now have arthritis in my hips.
e.j. 07:36 PM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by lolaland:
...sitting on the floor like a W was one of the signs for autism.
My son, who has Asperger's, used to W-sit when he was younger. I was told to try to get him to break the habit. Here are a couple of articles about W-sitting: http://nspt4kids.com/parenting/w-sit...childs-growth/ and...sitting on the floor like a W was one of the signs for autism.
http://ot4specialtots.blogspot.com/2...w-sitting.html
crazydaycarelady 08:15 PM 04-04-2013
I've never told the kids not to sit this way. I have never heard anything bad about it either. I personally can't sit that way.
Blackcat31 06:16 AM 04-05-2013
Another thread about "W" sitting https://www.daycare.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39473
mrsp'slilpeeps 09:56 AM 04-05-2013
Originally Posted by safechner:
What the heck do you think it is weak for kid who sits like "W?" My daughter always sit like this but she turned out fine. She is a 10 year old... I think it is nothing wrong with it. When I was a little that I used to sit "W" but I do not have any joints problem...
What the heck do you think it is weak for kid who sits like "W?" My daughter always sit like this but she turned out fine. She is a 10 year old... I think it is nothing wrong with it. When I was a little that I used to sit "W" but I do not have any joints problem...
Myself and my own kids sit like that as well and we are fine. I find when I sit with my legs crossed my feel fall asleep. and I cant stand that feeling.
Im not seeing the big deal about w sitting.
And none of us have developmental issues either.
Country Kids 10:10 AM 04-05-2013
I find that all my kids that sit this way, have a hard time sitting in chairs properly.
Two of them are reminded on a DAILY basis for 1.5-3 years to please, please sit on you bottoms with your feet in front of you. They either have their feet curled up under them or sitting in the W position.
This happens anytime we sit in chairs. Kitchen chairs for meals and even the little preschool chairs, their feet have to be under them.
Two of them are reminded on a DAILY basis for 1.5-3 years to please, please sit on you bottoms with your feet in front of you. They either have their feet curled up under them or sitting in the W position.
This happens anytime we sit in chairs. Kitchen chairs for meals and even the little preschool chairs, their feet have to be under them.