A Strong Core? It’s Crucial for Kids, Too
Lisa Chan, OT Reg. (Ont.)

Our core muscles include the abs, mid-lower back, and pelvis—together, they form the trunk of the body. Strengthening core muscles helps build foundational support for the rest of the body.
Starting in early childhood, a strong core allows kids to:
Maintain an upright seated position
Maneuver through their environment with ease
Reach beyond their center of gravity without falling over
Core strength is essential for head and neck control, which supports visual, gross motor, and fine motor development.
What Does a Weak Core Look Like?
A child with a weak core may show signs like:
Slouched posture while standing or sitting
Frequent fidgeting while seated
Low stamina during gross or fine motor tasks
Because their trunk isn’t stable, these children often compensate with other muscle groups. You might notice:
Elevated shoulders while writing (shoulders hunched near the ears)
Leaning their head or body on the desk during schoolwork
Sitting in a W-position (knees bent, feet beside hips)
These compensations are the body’s way of seeking stability—but they may lead to discomfort or long-term challenges.
When Should You Start Core Strengthening?
From day one!
Core strength can be encouraged from birth with tummy time—placing babies on their stomachs to strengthen the neck, upper back, and core.
For babies:
Use a mirror to catch their attention during tummy time
Try toys that are colorful or make noise to keep them engaged
For school-aged children:
Encourage prone play (laying on the tummy) during puzzles, coloring, or building blocks
Promote outdoor activities like:
Climbing jungle gyms
Swimming
Riding bikes
Jump rope and sports
A strong, stable core helps prevent injuries and gives your child confidence to explore, play, and grow.
How Kinspire Can Help
At Kinspire, our licensed occupational therapists support your child’s physical development through daily coaching and personalized care plans.
We help families:
Identify postural and endurance challenges early
Design custom routines and activities that build strength
Implement strategies into real-life settings like home and school
Optimize based on progress over time
💬 Book a free consultation with a Kinspire OT and get support tailored to your child’s needs—no diagnosis or referral required.
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