Helping Your Child Break the W-Sitting Habit: Therapist-Approved Tips

As a parent, noticing your child consistently sitting in a W-position can be concerning—especially if you’ve heard it might impact their development. The good news is that with gentle redirection and a few strategic interventions, you can support healthier sitting habits at home.

Here’s what I recommend as an occupational therapist:

1. Teach Alternative Sitting Positions

Offer your child multiple options and demonstrate them:

• Criss-cross applesauce (legs crossed in front)
• Long sitting (legs stretched out in front)
• Side sitting (both legs to one side, switching sides regularly)
• Tall kneeling or half-kneeling during play at a low table

These positions require more core activation and promote better postural development.

2. Use Physical Prompts

If your child tends to slip back into W-sitting:

• Gently guide their legs into a new position without scolding
• Use a verbal cue like “feet in front, please!” or “let’s fix your legs”
• Create physical barriers like a small stool or cushion that encourages a different posture

3. Build Core and Hip Strength

Often, W-sitting is a compensation for weak core or hip muscles. Activities that can help:

• Animal walks (bear, crab, or frog jumps)
• Yoga for kids
• Climbing, swinging, and crawling games
• Scooter board play or kneeling games on a therapy ball

Strong postural muscles make it easier for children to maintain more dynamic and functional sitting postures.

4. Stay Positive and Consistent

Change doesn’t happen overnight. Avoid turning this into a power struggle. Instead, be consistent in your redirections and praise their efforts when they sit differently.

5. When to Seek Help

If your child:

• Only sits in a W-position
• Struggles with coordination, balance, or motor milestones
• Has signs of low tone or joint hypermobility

…it may be time to consult with a pediatric occupational therapist for a full assessment and personalized support plan.

In summary, W-sitting isn’t “bad” in and of itself, but over time, it can interfere with important motor and postural development. With awareness and a few supportive strategies, you can help your child build strong, healthy habits for life.