Sitting still just is not the nature of most young children. Oftentimes as adults, we too struggle with sitting still. As with anything, it is easier for some than it is for others. Why does it seem impossible for some, and easy for the rest? It seems kids used to sit a little better. First, let’s look at the average time children can sit by age. Keep in mind this is a generalization of how long they can sit when they are interested in something. Each child is an individual and you may be experiencing something different.
- 3-year-olds: 5–10 minutes
- 5-year-olds: 15 minutes
- 7-year-olds: 25 minutes
- 10-year-olds: 40 minutes
So why can’t kids just sit still?
- They simply cannot do it. Their bodies are not strong enough to do so. Their postural muscles may not be developed enough.
- Movement stimulates the brain. Their bodies want to help them learn.
- Movement can assist with learning because more of the brain is involved in the learning process. In research, there is a clear connection between movement and learning. In the book, Teaching with the Brain in Mind, there is an entire chapter outlining how the brain needs movement to facilitate learning.
- Sensory processing: They may have too much or too little sensory involvement and their body is looking to balance that.
- Underdeveloped vestibular system. The vestibular system is located in the inner ear and gives us information about where we are in space and how we are moving. So a child who is constantly moving/swinging/rolling etc, their body might be seeking this kind of input/movement to feel calm. In a random testing of twelve 5th graders, it was found that only 1 out of 12 had the normal strength and balance as did children in the 1980s1.
Now we know some basics of the whys, what can we do?
- First and foremost, we need to get kids moving more! Before we expect them to even try to sit, they need to be able to get a lot of movement. Things like running, jumping, swinging, and physical games.
- Provide for the sensory needs of children. Those that seek out the sensory inputs as well as those that are overwhelmed by so much at once.
- Be sure your child is getting adequate sleep and a healthy diet. Deficits in either of these can contribute to more fidgeting and less learning.
- Actively seek ways to help your child learn through play and movement at home and be sure if they are in school, their school strongly supports this concept. Children learn and build muscles through play, big and small, not by sitting still.
- Preparing children to succeed in school looks like active children running, climbing, dancing, squeezing, squishing, grabbing, holding, skipping, rolling, and swinging through childhood2.
This is what our children need to be able to grow, learn, and develop as they are meant to. Children need to be allowed to learn in the way that is most productive and produces a lifelong love of learning. Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance to you and your child.
