We’re Teaching Kids to Sit Before We Teach Them to Move
From the moment kids enter school, they’re told to sit still. Sit nicely. Sit quietly. Sit longer. The message is clear. Stillness equals success. But too much sitting for kids comes at a cost we’re only starting to understand.
Stillness before strength
Kids are asked to master sitting before they’ve mastered movement. That’s backwards. Bodies are meant to move first. When too much sitting for kids becomes normal, muscles weaken, posture suffers, and energy dips.
Movement builds the foundation for learning. Not the other way around.
The focus myth
Many adults believe sitting helps kids focus. In reality, the opposite is often true. Long periods of stillness make attention harder to sustain. Kids fidget because their bodies need input. Too much sitting for kids overloads the brain while underusing the body.
Short bursts of movement improve concentration far more than reminders to stay still.
Rethinking success
A child who can sit quietly isn’t necessarily thriving. They might just be compliant. Healthier childhoods come from balance. Learning plus movement. Focus plus play. Reducing too much sitting for kids helps support both academic and emotional development.
Final thoughts
Teaching kids how to move should come before teaching them how to sit. When we prioritise movement, we support stronger bodies, calmer minds, and better learning outcomes. Less sitting. More growing.
Please note that any advice shared here is general in nature, and we recommend checking in with a professional in regard to your child’s needs.
For more tips and tricks on topics like this deep dive, feel free to contact us or refer to our Dewey Does blog.
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