The Secret Weapon for Core Strength Isn't What You Think (It's Kneeling!)

By Tara Liddle, PT, MA, DPT, PCS

Have you ever wondered what the secret weapon is for building a strong core in your little one? Forget fancy equipment or complicated exercises – the answer might surprise you! It's something as simple, fun, and natural as kneeling.

Yes, you read that right! Kneeling is a fantastic way to build core strength in babies and toddlers. A strong core is like the body's central command center. It's a complex network of muscles in the abdomen, back, and hips that work together to provide stability, fuel movement, and balance skills. It helps your little one with everything from rolling over and sitting up straight to crawling, walking, and eventually mastering those climbing adventures! A strong core plays a key role in balancing skills. It helps your child maintain equilibrium as they navigate their environment, reducing the risk of tumbles and bumps.

The good news is that core strength development starts naturally as your baby explores the world. They engage their core muscles whenever they lift their heads, roll over, or push up on their arms. Activities encouraging natural movements like kneeling can provide a foundation for a strong and healthy core.

As your baby progresses from tummy time to mastering sitting and standing, kneeling becomes a crucial transitional movement. It further strengthens their core muscles, preparing them for walking, running, and climbing demands. Many parents might think complex exercises are necessary for core strength development. But the truth is, natural movements like kneeling are perfect for building a solid foundation!

Making Kneeling Play a Success

·      Comfort is key: Provide a soft play mat or a blanket to make kneeling enjoyable and protect your child's knees.

·      Start simple: Don't overwhelm your little one with long kneeling sessions. Begin with short bursts and gradually increase the duration as their strength builds.

·      Get down to their level: Kneel alongside your child to demonstrate activities and show them how much fun it can be.

·      Offer various support heights, Such as a box, a low sofa, stacked sofa cushions, an activity box, etc. This allows your little one to practice low and high kneeling.

·      Reaching games across midline: When using toys for engagement, work on reaching down low and up high across the body.

·      Sing songs & tell stories: Incorporate rhymes, songs, and stories into play activities to keep your child engaged and motivated.

·      Offer support when needed: provide support at the hips as they master the kneeling skill.

·      Celebrate progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your child's achievements, no matter how small. This positive reinforcement encourages them to continue exploring kneeling play.

By incorporating these tips and playful activities, you can turn kneeling into a fun and beneficial part of your child's playtime routine. Remember, the key is to keep it comfortable, engaging, and, most importantly, enjoyable for your little one. Kneeling play is just one example of how everyday activities can contribute to your child's development. The world is full of opportunities for exploration and learning through play.

Here are some additional points to consider:

·      Unstructured Play is Key: While structured activities have their place, prioritize unstructured playtime. This allows your child to explore their creativity, problem-solve independently, and develop a sense of self-confidence.

·      Let Them Lead: Follow your child's interests and allow them to lead during playtime. This helps them develop a sense of agency and fosters a love of learning.

·      The Importance of You: Your presence and participation are crucial during playtime. Get down on their level, sing songs, tell stories, and most importantly, have fun together!

Embracing kneeling play and other playful activities into your child's routine, you're not just building core strength – you're building a solid foundation for their overall development. You're fostering a love of movement, encouraging exploration, and creating lasting memories. So, get down on the floor, embrace the giggles, and watch your little one blossom through the power of play!

Ready to get started? Try the kneeling play activities mentioned in this blog, and share your experiences in the comments below! We'd love to see how your little one has fun while building core strength.

Looking for more developmental play tips? Visit our website, www.motorskillsmatter, or follow us on social media, @motorskillsmatter, for more playful ideas to support your child's growth!