Is how we sit important when writing?
The quick answer is YES! Just imagine sitting on a spinning bar stool with your legs dangling down unsupported. Now think how it would feel if someone asked you to thread a needle. We would automatically want to rest our elbows on the table or fix them tightly into our body, and our legs would probably be wrapped around the legs of the chair. We would do this to give us enough stability in the middle of our bodies, allowing us to complete the intricate task of threading the needle.
Handwriting is a really complex motor task, requiring a high level of core and shoulder stability, let alone what is expected to happen with the hands. To a young child handwriting is as challenging as threading a needle is to us!
When supporting your child to write or draw (or in fact do any fine motor task, such as crafts, baking, using a knife and fork), we recommend you follow these simple rules:
Ensure their feet are fully flat on the floor. This could be a box under their feet or an adjustable chair such as the Stokke Tripp Trapp.
Bottom at the back of the chair and the chair pulled in towards the table.
Thighs fully supported and knees bent at 90 degrees.
The table height should be approximately half the height of the child.
If your child can sit this way, then their concentration will improve, their sensory needs will be fulfilled, and they will find it so much easier to use their hands and eyes together.
A good sitting posture not only improves the quality of their writing but also makes the experience more comfortable and sustainable. We cannot understate the benefit your child will feel and the improvement you will see.
Louise Race
Children’s Occupational Therapist