My 6.5 year old cannot run!

[Anonymous]

She can run, but oh so slowly. She does not seem to have an idea how to stride, pump her arms. Her classmates have become much faster and more coordinated since the start of the school year. There is a big difference to the spring soccer season as compared to the fall. DD was always one of the slowest kids, but I'd say she has now become the very slowest by a long shot. Anyone experienced this? Is it something that can come together in the next year or is this a sign that she will always be slow? To be clear, we aren't interested in athleticism but about her self esteem and also the ability to participate in some sports for the sake of good health. Most kids right now in her class do soccer, so there is social pressure to do that.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like team sports on land may not be for her. Thank your lucky stars and wave goodbye to every spring and fall weekend stuck on the sidelines of a soccer game, lacrosse game, or other stick with a ball game. I hate that crap so I was thrilled beyond measure to have an uninterested child and a husband who can't get his act together to plan activities. He played soccer competitively well into his 30s and traveled on a tournament team. Try non team sports on land -- like martial arts, golf, fencing. Try water sports -- swim team, synchronized swimming, water polo, diving. There are plenty of other opportunities for kids who are not good at soccer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She can run, but oh so slowly. She does not seem to have an idea how to stride, pump her arms. Her classmates have become much faster and more coordinated since the start of the school year. There is a big difference to the spring soccer season as compared to the fall. DD was always one of the slowest kids, but I'd say she has now become the very slowest by a long shot. Anyone experienced this? Is it something that can come together in the next year or is this a sign that she will always be slow? To be clear, we aren't interested in athleticism but about her self esteem and also the ability to participate in some sports for the sake of good health. Most kids right now in her class do soccer, so there is social pressure to do that.

Your daughter sounds like me. I was a great swimmer and bicyclist. There are other sports that she can probably excel at (and maybe like). Is she aware of being slow? Does she like it?

[Anonymous]

Have you considered an evaluation with a physical therapist? Could it be possible that your daughter has low muscle tone? The fact that she cannot coordinate her arms and her stride is an issue at her age.

[Anonymous]

Definitely talk to you pediatrician about this. It may be nothing, but she may need a PT evaluation like PP said.

[Anonymous]

She is 6.5. Does she enjoy playing? If she does then let her play, who cares about ability?

If she doesn't like playing then you shouldn't be feeding into the social pressures anyway. Karate, swimming, dance, etc. All great options.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She can run, but oh so slowly. She does not seem to have an idea how to stride, pump her arms. Her classmates have become much faster and more coordinated since the start of the school year. There is a big difference to the spring soccer season as compared to the fall. DD was always one of the slowest kids, but I'd say she has now become the very slowest by a long shot. Anyone experienced this? Is it something that can come together in the next year or is this a sign that she will always be slow? To be clear, we aren't interested in athleticism but about her self esteem and also the ability to participate in some sports for the sake of good health. Most kids right now in her class do soccer, so there is social pressure to do that.

Your daughter sounds like me. I was a great swimmer and bicyclist. There are other sports that she can probably excel at (and maybe like). Is she aware of being slow? Does she like it?

this was me too. i was told i ran like E.T. (i'll never get over that!) anyway....i sucked at any running-type sport, but i excelled at tennis. as an adult, i still can't run, but i love spinning (and still play tennis). when i was little, i wished i could run, but like your daughter, i was way behind the pack. does she like soccer? if she doesn't, let her quit if she wants. i think her self-esteem will be far more injured if she continues to play and doesn't like it -- especially if other kids get "mad" at her for not scoring.

[Anonymous]

My DS sounds a lot like your DD and I think what some people are missing is that it's not that you want your DD to be a star player but to enjoy what she's doing. My DS was diagnosed with motor planning/coordination disorder. It sounds a lot worse thant what you probably think. We initially didn't think too much of his ungracefulness (he's a lot like his daddy, after all) and he was young but he started to avoiding things, started to show anxiety about group activities, refused to even try novel physical activities and stopped doing sports he previously enjoyed. We had him evaluated by an occupational therapist who diagnosed the disorder.

For him, after about two months of OT, we saw an incredible difference. It was a safe, fun environment where he felt comfortable trying different things. I'm sure that 99% of pepole would have no idea of his challenges and I know a lot of people think we're making a mountain out of a mole hill. But, in that therapy room, it's undeniable that he's not at an age appropriate level and it's a real challenge for him to do things that others can do without thought - like his younger sister does. We choose to puruse therapy because we want him to make choices based on what his true interests are and not because he doesn't feel confident or comfortable.

[Anonymous]

how old was your son when you had him evaluated by a PT. my son avoids group sports as well although i'm not sure it's anything physical. curious what to look for.

[Anonymous]

I was BY FAR the slowest kid in my class. I was chubby, too - and was so self conscious about how slow I was that I avoided running religiously until just a few years ago. I decided one day that I was going to start running - slowly. Turns out I am still slow as hell, but I can comfortably run ten miles, which (I think!) is impressive even if you are running slowly. I think I would have come to that conclusion MUCH earlier if I had not been so self conscious about how slow I was earlier on.

[Anonymous]

That sounds like me too. I turned out fine. I did not play sports in high school. Now that adults do not regularly partake in sports, it does not matter.

[Anonymous]

OP, your kid is not slow, (or at least you don't know yet).

She does not know the motions. That is trainable. I'd start by talking to your ped and go from there.

[Anonymous]

To 5/7, 20:15. Where did you do the OT? This is OP.

[Anonymous]

New poster here. My daughter was also a slow runner. Eventually I realized she was not growing out of her motor skill delays and took her to an OT who diagnosed her with coordination disorder. Personally I would not just ignore it, assuming that some day it won't matter. She doesn't have to be a great athlete, but she needs to be able to enjoy physical activity or she will be on a path toward an unhealthy weight. We are still looking into OT so I can't give you a specific recommendation on providers. Just having the tests conducted has made me feel better though-I wasn't imagining her clumsiness.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Well we have been through the coordination disorder diagnosis. We had PT when DD was a toddler and was slow to walk. A bit of OT when she was 5. It was Leaps and Bounds in DC, and they graduated her within 4 months. I think its a pretty well respected practice. I was curious where other posters are going for OT - someone mentioned that it has really helped their child. I didn't see a lot happening in OT. When she began, the evaluation found her average for her age, and then the quick graduation came. But nonetheless, there is the super slow running to deal with. This is all about being able to keep up and health and healthy self esteem. In case anyone jumps on me, let me repeat that I am not expecting or wanting athleticism. I just want to help my child not be the absolutely slowest kid on any team. She can't even play tag effectively at this point. She just gives up after a short run. People have mentioned that she needs to learn the mechanics of running. I agree. Any ideas where I can take her to learn these mechanics?