PERTH · FACE TO FACE AND ONLINE
W Sitting in Children
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.
Primitive Reflex Integration Practitioner · Brain Gym® Consultant · Qualified primary school teacher · Mum of three
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 a sitting position where 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. The W sitting position gives a wide, very stable base, which is exactly why some children like it.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
What W sitting 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.
AT HOME
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 W sitting is worth getting 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.
WORKING WITH ME
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.
READ MORE
Related challenges
Coordination, balance and clumsiness: Coordination and balance rely on several underlying skills, including body awareness, postural control, muscle coordination and the integration of early movement patterns. When these foundations are less developed, children may struggle with sport, playground activities, handwriting or other everyday tasks.
Handwriting and fine motor skills: Handwriting relies on much more than the fingers. It involves postural control, core stability, shoulder strength, hand-eye coordination and the brain’s ability to plan and coordinate movements.
Primitive reflexes: Primitive reflexes are one piece of the developmental puzzle. In some children, ongoing reflex activity may contribute to difficulties with balance, coordination, handwriting, posture, body awareness or emotional regulation.
QUESTIONS
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 W sitting?
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 my home office in Perth, which creates a safe and comfortable environment, and I also offer online appointments.
Not sure where to start?
You are welcome to get in touch for a free phone chat about what you are noticing in your child.