Building Core Strength for Everyday Life

A strong core is the foundation for strong, confident movement.

Core strength isn’t just about having strong abs. It’s about building stability through the muscles of the stomach, back, hips, and pelvis—muscles that help children sit upright, balance, move freely, and participate fully in daily activities.

At Light Occupational Therapy, we support children to develop core strength in ways that are playful, meaningful, and perfectly matched to their developmental needs.

Why Core Strength Matters

Core muscles are involved in almost every movement your child makes—from sitting at the table to running across the playground.

Strong core muscles support:

• Posture during schoolwork and sitting tasks
• Balance and coordination during active play
• Fine motor skills like handwriting (because the body needs to stay stable for the hands to move precisely)
• Gross motor skills like climbing, jumping, and riding a bike
• Energy conservation, reducing fatigue during daily activities

Without good core strength, children may tire easily, avoid physical activities, or find tasks like sitting or writing more difficult.

Signs Your Child May Need Core Strength Support

If a child’s core muscles are still developing, you might notice:

• Slouching or leaning on the table when sitting
• W-sitting (legs out to the side) for extra stability
• Difficulty staying seated upright during meals or classroom tasks
• Frequent tripping, clumsiness, or falling over
• Avoiding playground activities like climbing, hopping, or balancing
• Complaints of getting tired easily during physical tasks

These are signs your child might benefit from extra support in building core strength.

How Occupational Therapy Helps Build Core Strength

At Light OT, we weave core-strengthening activities into therapy sessions in ways that feel like play—not hard work. Our goal is to help children build body awareness, endurance, and coordination while keeping the experience fun and motivating.

Therapy strategies may include:

• Movement games that challenge balance and posture
• Obstacle courses that build strength while promoting coordination
• Animal walks (bear walk, crab walk, frog jumps) to strengthen arms, legs, and core muscles
• Core activation activities like ball sitting, scooter board races, or balance beams
• Strength-building exercises tailored to your child’s age and ability
• Support for postural endurance needed for school and daily routines

We also work closely with parents and caregivers to provide easy, play-based activities you can continue at home.

Easy Ways to Build Core Strength at Home

Supporting your child’s core strength will look different for everyone but can fit easily into everyday routines. Here are some ideas to try:

• Have your child sit on a wobble cushion or therapy ball during activities
• Practice animal walks (crab, bear, frog) in the hallway or backyard
• Set up a simple obstacle course with cushions, tunnels, and balance tasks
• Encourage wheelbarrow walks (holding your child’s legs while they walk on hands)
• Use outdoor play equipment like swings, monkey bars, and climbing frames
• Try yoga or simple stretches focused on balance and posture

Consistency is key—and the more fun it feels, the more motivated your child will be!

FAQ: Core Strength and Child Development

Is poor core strength a developmental concern?
Core strength develops naturally for many children, but for others, extra support can make a big difference.

Can improving core strength help with focus and school tasks?
Yes! Strengthening core support can help create physical stability, which allows a child’s brain to better focus on cognitive tasks like listening, thinking, and problem-solving.

How long does it take to see improvements?
Every child is different, but with consistent practice (both in therapy and at home), most children show improvements in posture, endurance, and movement confidence over time.

Strong Cores, Confident Kids

Core strength supports so much more than physical play—it underpins focus, independence, and participation in everyday life.

If your child is finding it hard to sit, move, or engage comfortably in activities they love, contact Light Occupational Therapy to learn how we can help.
Together, we can build strong foundations for a bright, active future.