Reminder: Kids Aren’t Born To Sit Still

“Trust only movement. Life happens at the level of events, not words. Trust movement.” -Alfred Adler

Do you ever feel like your kids have a battery that doesn’t turn off?

So does just about every other parent.

Kids are hyper, full of energy, and expressive without much fear of looking “weird.”

It can be too much sometimes, and you may even be wondering,
“Why can’t my kid sit still?”

Maybe you feel like something is wrong with them, or that you are failing as a parent even.

But I’m here to remind you that there is nothing wrong with your child or your ability to parent.

Why Kids Struggle Being Still

It’s common for children to struggle with sitting still, and this is completely normal.

There are a few reasons why this is the case:

1. Children have a lot of energy: Kids are naturally energetic and full of life, and this can make it difficult for them to sit still for extended periods of time.
2. They are still developing their attention span: Children are still developing the ability to focus and concentrate, and this can make it difficult for them to sit still and pay attention.
3. They are easily distracted: Kids are easily distracted by the world around them, and this can make it difficult for them to sit still and focus on one thing for very long.
4. They are curious and want to explore: Children are naturally curious and want to explore their environment, and this can make it hard for them to sit still and stay in one place.

Overall, it’s completely normal for children to struggle with sitting still. This is just a natural part of their development and doesn’t necessarily mean there is anything wrong.

As they grow and mature, they will gradually develop the ability to sit still and pay attention for longer periods of time.

But remember, children, are not born to sit still.

Why Children Aren’t Born To Sit Still

As it turns out, there’s a reason why our kids can’t sit still, and it has nothing to do with them being “bad” “weird” or “ill.”

In fact, Children are not born to sit still.

It goes against their very nature and heritage to do so.

Children are full of energy and curiosity from the moment they are born, constantly exploring their surroundings and seeking new experiences.

They are hardwired to move, play, and express themselves through physical activity.

But in today’s world, many children are being forced to sit still for long periods, whether it’s in a classroom, in front of a screen, or even at the dinner table.

This kind of sedentary lifestyle goes against everything children are designed for, and it can seriously affect their health and well-being.

One of the biggest problems with forcing children to sit still that not many people are talking about is that it robs them of the opportunity to express themselves.

Children learn about the world through experience. Experience is movement on all planes.

Movement and play from develops their physical, emotional, and cognitive skills.

When they are constantly confined to a chair or desk, they lose the chance to explore, discover, and learn naturally.

Furthermore, sitting still for long periods can be damaging to children’s physical health.

It has been linked to several health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and even mental health issues.

When children are forced to sit still, they are not getting the physical activity that they need to stay healthy, and this can have long-term consequences.

In addition to the physical effects, forcing children to sit still can negatively impact their mental and emotional well-being.

It can lead to feelings of frustration, boredom, and even resentment, and it can stifle their creativity and imagination.

Children need to be able to move and play to be happy and healthy, and when they are denied this opportunity, it can have a lasting impact on their mental and emotional development.

Why Are Children Being Forced To Sit Still?

In many cases, it’s because of the way that our education and childcare systems are structured.

Schools and daycares often prioritize sitting still and paying attention over physical activity and exploration, which can damage children’s development.

They even interpret the movement as something being wrong with a child, making children associate their natural expression with the fear of being punished and criticized — therefore avoiding it.

Do you see how this can be detrimental to the very well-being of a child’s life, both now and in the future?

But there are ways to change this.

By incorporating more movement and play into the classroom and home environment, we can give children the opportunity to express themselves and stay healthy.

This can involve things like outdoor play, structured physical activities, and even simple things like standing desks or fidget toys.

By recognizing the importance of movement for children, we can create a better, healthier environment for them to grow and learn.

How To Bring Movement Into A Child’s Life

Here are some tips for bringing movement into a child’s life:

1. Make physical activity a daily routine: Incorporate regular physical activity into your child’s daily routine. This could include activities like going for a walk or bike ride, playing sports, or dancing.
2. Encourage outdoor play: Get your child outside to play as often as possible. This could involve playing in the backyard, going to a park, or taking a hike. Being outside can provide a fun and stimulating environment for movement.
3. Provide age-appropriate toys and equipment: Give your child toys and equipment that promote movement and physical activity, such as balls, jump ropes, and hula hoops.
4. Limit sedentary activities: Try to limit the amount of time your child spends sitting and engaging in sedentary activities, such as watching TV or playing video games. Encourage them to take breaks and move around throughout the day.
5. Be a positive role model: Show your child that movement and physical activity can be fun and enjoyable by participating alongside them. This can help them see the value of staying active and moving their bodies.

By incorporating these tips into your child’s daily routine, you can help ensure that they have plenty of opportunities to move and be active.

This can support their overall physical and mental health, as well as help them develop important skills and habits for a healthy and active lifestyle.

In Conclusion

Children are not born to sit still.

It goes against their very nature and heritage to be confined to a chair or desk for long periods, and it can have serious consequences for their health and well-being.

By recognizing the importance of movement and play for children, and by incorporating more of these activities into their daily lives, we can allow them to express themselves and thrive.

It’s completely normal for children to struggle with sitting still.

This is because they have a lot of energy, are still developing their attention span, are easily distracted, and are curious and want to explore their environment.

This is just a natural part of their development and doesn’t necessarily mean there is anything wrong.

As they grow and mature, they will gradually develop the ability to sit still and pay attention for longer periods of time.

So instead of trying to force kids to sit still, it’s important to provide them with plenty of opportunities to move and be active, which will support their overall physical and mental health.