We use our core muscles in so many of the essential activities that we do each day. The muscles in our trunk, back, and neck make up our core. When our core muscles are activated, we are able to move around without losing our balance, sit upright in a chair, and use a pencil effectively. In a way, a strong and stable core serves as the foundation to other developmental skills. Kids who have weak cores might exhibit poor posture when sitting or standing. They might even struggle to remain seated because they do not have the core strength or stability to sit upright for long periods of time.
Similar to any other skill, building up strong core muscles require time and patience. Don’t worry if your child feels discouraged at first when completing core strengthening activities or exercises. Start with a little bit at a time and increase the difficulty as your child makes progress. As their core strengthens, so will their confidence!
It is easy to incorporate core strengthening into any play activity.
Even the smallest changes can make a big difference. Listed below are some simple suggestions:
- Laying on the belly on the floor to draw or do a puzzle
- Kneeling while completing an activity at a low table
- Squatting to retrieve game pieces
- Animal walking from one place to another
- Crawling on all fours during a game
- Sitting on an unsteady surface, such as a yoga ball or wiggle cushion, versus a typical chair
Click below for more core strengthening activities
However you use the activities in this blog, I hope it brings you some comfort to know you are not alone. We are all in our separate corners of the community, living similar struggles right now. When we can share resources, even virtually, we can stay connected and support each other through this tough time.
Please email us at to learn more about individual sessions for yourself, as parents struggling to re-invent the daily life of our family in your many roles OR to inquire about 1:1 virtual OT or SLP visits for your child, typically covered by your health plan at no cost to you. Find us on Facebook at @BostonSensorySolutions or online at www.BostonSensorySolutions.com
