DD does this and we keep telling her not to because she always complains about her knee hurting.

Our pediatrician told us to dissuade the W sitting. We discouraged at home but I know preschool was not so vigilant. DC is now 8 and totally fine so I'm not sure it mattered one way or the other.

Our now 4 yo did (and still does) sit like that. We brought it up, but it was no real concern, although we did have the benefit that we had already checked for hip problems due to a family history, so didn't have that to worry about.

My understanding of tge issue is that kids *can* use it to compensate for low tone, and that it can hamper the development of skills that 'cross the midline' - ie reaching across the body to grab something on your left with your right hand, or similar movement. Since our daughter didn't have any of those issues, our Dr wasn't worried.

And FWIW, apparently I also did tge W sit as a child, and was just fine and even athletic (though no great superstar), so I'm guessing my DD just inherited some traits from me.

All of which to say it's worth looking into as a possible indicator of an actual problem, but W sitting by itself isn't necessarily a big deal.

With that kind of flexibility, she could be a gymnist.

Anonymous wrote:What is W sitting?

If you are facing the child, his or her legs form a W. Middle point at the top of the W is the crotch, bottom points are the knees, two endpoints are feet.

I had heard it can be a sign of low tone, but it may have been an old wives tale. Maybe get DC checked for other signs of low muscle tone that a lay person wouldn't recognize

What is W sitting?

My DS did this as well. His speech therapist (he had lisping and "R/W" confusion issues) told us it's common in kids who then have those speech issues, and continually reminded him to sit "criss cross applesauce". Interesting connection. FWIW, he got rid of the speech issues quickly, and only had them in English (he's bilingual). He's also (like a PP's DS) a phenomenal athlete. Now a teenager, he has no problems of any kind.

So I wouldn't worry too much, just keep an eye on it.

Anonymous wrote:DS sat like that until he was about 6 or 7. He now has ADHD and executive function issues. Maybe I should have intervened??

Oh please. Did he also eat carrots until he was 6 or 7?

DS did this all through preschool. He also has ADHD and some learning challenges. On the other hand, he's an incredibly fast runner, does dance, and has done iceskating and gymnastics. He's also double-jointed. It was definitely mentioned as a concern along the way but physically speaking, he's got some impressive skills/talents.

DS sat like that until he was about 6 or 7. He now has ADHD and executive function issues. Maybe I should have intervened??

I would not micromanage this aspect of your child's behavior. Sounds to me like this might be another 'hocus pocus' health issue to worry about.

Unless your child actually does have some sort of join problem... and an actual physical therapist or occupational therapist tells you your child should sit differently.

My daughter 'toed-in' a lot, so we did were pretty vigilant about reminding her not to 'w-sit'. I don't think it's the root cause of toeing in, but it can definitely make it worse.

W sitting is not necessarily a sign that the forces of darkness are at work. It's just not the best way for your child to sit.

DD is 20mos old and her preferred method of sitting is in the W position. When we remind her, she'll bring her legs out front, but does not seem to be comfortable or willing to sit cross-legged. We assumed she'd grow otu of it when she moved from crawling to walknig but it's continuing.

We'll raise it at her 2yr well visit, but googling things like hip dysplasia and joint hypermobility has us worried and thinking we shouldn't wait another few months before taking her to the doctor.

Does anyone have any experience with this? Are we worried over nothing, or did your child have issues that needed addressed?