Is W sitting bad? Many young children W sit sometimes and it is not a problem on its own. When a child can only get comfortable sitting in a W, or goes back to it every time, it can be a sign their body is working hard to stay stable, and it is worth looking at why.
I’m Michele, a Primitive Reflex Integration Practitioner and Brain Gym® Consultant in Perth. W sitting is one of the most common things parents mention to me.
What is W sitting?
W sitting is when a child sits on their bottom with their knees bent in front and their feet out to each side, so their legs make a “W” shape when you look from above. It gives a wide, very stable base, which is exactly why some children like it.
What it can look like at home
- Always choosing the W when sitting on the floor to play or watch TV
- Slumping or wriggling when asked to sit cross-legged
- Tiring quickly when sitting at a table, or propping their head up on a hand
- Other signs alongside it, like poor balance, clumsiness or low muscle tone
Why some children prefer W sitting
A wide base means the body does not have to work as hard to stay upright. For a child with low muscle tone, weak core strength or poor balance, W sitting can simply feel easier. In my work I often see W sitting alongside retained primitive reflexes, particularly the STNR (symmetrical tonic neck reflex), which links head position with the upper and lower body and can make other sitting positions feel unstable.
Simple things to try at home
- Gently invite other positions: cross-legged, side sitting, kneeling, or sitting on a small stool
- Make floor time playful: lying on the tummy to read or draw builds strength
- Try crawling games, animal walks and tunnels, which use the whole body
- Keep it light. Nagging tends to make sitting a battle, and it is the underlying strength and balance that matters most
When it is worth getting it checked
If your child W sits most of the time, finds other positions hard, or you are noticing other signs like toe walking, clumsiness, trouble focusing or messy handwriting, an assessment can show whether retained reflexes are part of the picture. If you have any concerns about your child’s hips, joints or development, please check in with your GP or paediatrician too.
How I can help
In an initial appointment I assess which primitive reflexes are still active, along with brain and body organisation. We then work through simple, playful movements in weekly sessions, with “home play” in between. You can see the full process and prices on my services page.
Common questions
Is W sitting linked to autism?
It is a common question. W sitting on its own is not a sign of autism. Some children with a diagnosis do W sit, as do many children without one. What matters is what is happening in the body, and that is what I look at.
Will my child grow out of it?
Some children do as their strength and balance develop. If it persists, working on the underlying reflexes and core stability usually helps more than simply correcting the sitting position.
Do you only see children in Perth?
I see children face to face in Perth and also offer online appointments.