Kneeling at Furniture

Purpose:

To strengthen the muscles that straighten the hip and to practice upright posture. 

Directions:

Have the child kneel at a sturdy stool or bench about chest height. Provide gentle pressure on the child’s buttocks using the heels of your hands to assist in straightening the hips. 

Important:   

• Do not leave the child unattended in this position or use furniture with sharp edges if the child has a tendency to collapse at the hips or experience flexor spasms. 

Make it fun! Place toys such as a bead maze, puzzle, or coloring book and crayons on the furniture for the child to play with during this activity. Also note that gentle downward pressure on the child’s hips provides input that may help the hip muscles work.