A Strong Core? It’s Crucial for Kids, Too

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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