My son keeps folding his leg up when he sits... does this indicate something?

[Anonymous]

Agree it can be an issue with poor core muscles. My very strong child surprisingly has poor color muscles and slouches like crazy. I also slouch and often find myself pulling my legs up because it's the easiest way to keep myself from slouching. It's honestly how I'm most comfortable and provides me with the most back support.

I suggest yoga.

[Anonymous]

I just realized I do this too. I'm short and by sitting on my legs I get a small boost. I have weak, weak core muscles too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
It usually indicates poor core strength, hyperflexibility or both.

I know plenty of children with hypotonia (low tone) who go from W-sitting to sitting with bent legs, my son included.

In your son's case, it could also be due to anxiety related to class/teacher.

OP here- Thank you. Can you recommend an exercise to help- squats? Do you think
I should take him back to OT? We finished a while ago.

[Anonymous]

Teacher here..It’s a sign of sensory processing disorder.

[Anonymous]

I don’t know about your son, but I always used to do it, and often still do.

In my case, it’s because I’m short and furniture doesn’t really fit me. If my thigh isn’t as long as a chair is deep, I have to slide down in the chair, for my knee to reach the edge to fold over the way a chair is designed to be used, or else my leg dangles awkwardly in mid-air and is uncomfortable. Growing up, even in chairs designed for kids, where my knee might reach the edge, my feet probably still didn’t reach the floor, leaving me with the options of wrapping them around the chair legs, leaving them swinging unsupported in mid-air air, or folding them up in the chair seat (which was usually the most comfortable position).

While some individuals may fold their legs up because of the various disorders like poor muscle control, sensory processing disorders, low core strength, etc., that PPs have suggested, it may also just be the natural practical adaptation of an individual to their environment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He's 8 and whenever he sits on a chair, he always pulls his legs up (feet on chair). Teacher mentioned this too, we ask him to put them down. He says he is more comfortable that way. ... just nerves or Something else? Been a year now. He drinks plenty milk. I did have him tested for low iron which he now takes a iron mg vitamin. I'm I overthinking this?

As a 50yo woman who still does this I think it just indicates that it is a comfortable position.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
It usually indicates poor core strength, hyperflexibility or both.

I know plenty of children with hypotonia (low tone) who go from W-sitting to sitting with bent legs, my son included.

In your son's case, it could also be due to anxiety related to class/teacher.

+1

I was going to say weak core strength.

[Anonymous]

I door all the time. I probably have sensory issues but I’m very tall and chairs don’t fit me well unless I man spread (I’m a woman) or I tuck a foot under me. I do it when it is semi inappropriate but not during a work meeting.

[Anonymous]

I do it all the time. It’s comfortable. I’m 40 and have a perfectly respectable job and family and social life.

As long as he can stop if the situation requires formality, I see no issue with it.

[Anonymous]

I am very flexible, a pilates-goer for over a decade, etc. and I do this. Not sure it's about weak core as much as it is just comfortable and secure.

[Anonymous]

I’m a 6 foot tall female and have done this my whole life. I have a diagnosed hip issue which is def part of it but I have never fit in chairs properly either. Does he have a long torso?

[Anonymous]

I don’t think it means anything and is probably comfortable for him. I used to sit like that when at his age and didn’t think anything of it. Just make sure he wears underwear if his persists on sitting that way. One of my son’s friends sits with his feet on the chair virtually all the time and it’s rather obvious he doesn't wear them.

[Anonymous]

does he have a weak core?

[Anonymous]

I used to sit like that and still do it with one leg while working if I am not in a meeting. I am tall and it’s just always felt more comfortable. Especially now that I have a bad back. My 8 year old does it exactly like I used to. He is also very tall and very flexible like me especially in the hips. I think we are both a bit hypermobile, but not so much that it’s a big problem. I was a D1 athlete and the flexibility was a big plus. My current back problems are likely a partial result of hypermobility and partly genetics, but nothing to do except manage it. My core is and always has been pretty strong and not worried about that at all with my son.

[Anonymous]

I do that. I W-sit, too. I have hypermobile hips, and those are comfortable positions for me.