Why Does My Child Have Trouble Sitting Still in School?
Many parents hear from teachers that their child has trouble sitting still in school, making it difficult for them to focus and participate in lessons. While some fidgeting is normal for young children, consistent difficulty sitting still can affect learning and classroom behaviour. If your child struggles with sitting still, you’re not alone. This issue is quite common and can be caused by various factors, including sensory processing difficulties, ADHD, and even low muscle tone or poor postural control.
In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons why children might have trouble sitting still in school and provide practical strategies, including insights from Occupational Therapy, to help support them.
Common Reasons for Trouble Sitting Still
1. High Energy Levels
It’s normal for children to be energetic, especially during their early school years. Many young children have a natural need to move and find it challenging to stay in one place for long periods. Their bodies are still developing, and they often have lots of energy to burn.
What to look for: Your child may be restless in various settings, not just in school. They might prefer active play over sitting and may often ask to move around.
2. Sensory Processing Difficulties
Children with sensory processing difficulties may struggle to sit still because they are either overwhelmed by sensory input or under-stimulated. Sensory processing issues can make it hard for a child to stay seated because they either seek more movement or are uncomfortable with the sensations in their environment.
What to look for: A child with sensory processing challenges may seek out movement (rocking, bouncing) or avoid certain textures or sounds. They may find it difficult to sit still because their sensory system craves input or because certain sensations make sitting uncomfortable.
3. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Children with ADHD often have difficulty sitting still due to challenges with impulse control, hyperactivity, and regulating their attention. ADHD can make it hard for children to focus on tasks that require sustained attention, such as schoolwork. As a result, they may feel the need to move frequently, even during class.
What to look for: Signs of ADHD often include excessive fidgeting, difficulty focusing on one task, impulsive behaviour, and restlessness. Your child may also seem easily distracted and frequently shift between activities.
4. Low Muscle Tone or Poor Postural Control
Children with low muscle tone or poor postural control may struggle to sit still because it is physically uncomfortable for them. Low muscle tone refers to reduced muscle tension, which can make it difficult for a child to maintain a seated posture for an extended period. Poor postural control means the child’s body has trouble stabilising itself when sitting upright, leading to slouching, shifting positions, or leaning on furniture for support.
Children with low muscle tone may appear to have weaker core muscles, making it harder for them to sit in a chair without constant fidgeting or adjustments. They may not have the strength or endurance to hold a stable sitting posture, causing them to frequently move or change position to stay comfortable.
What to look for: A child with low muscle tone may slouch, lean on the desk or their chair, or frequently shift positions to find comfort. They may tire quickly during seated activities, and their body may appear “floppy” or lacking in strength.
5. Lack of Physical Activity
Children who don’t get enough physical activity during the day may find it hard to sit still. Movement helps children release excess energy, making it easier for them to focus during lessons. A lack of activity can leave children feeling restless and eager to move around.
What to look for: Your child may become more restless on days when they haven’t had enough time to play or exercise. Ensuring that your child gets sufficient physical activity can help reduce fidgeting in the classroom.
6. Boredom or Disengagement
Sometimes children struggle to sit still because they are bored or not fully engaged in the lesson. If the material is too easy, too hard, or not stimulating, children may lose interest and seek movement or other distractions to entertain themselves.
What to look for: If your child stays still during activities they enjoy but becomes fidgety during tasks they find uninteresting or challenging, this could be a sign that they are disengaged.
How Occupational Therapy Can Help
Occupational Therapy (OT) can provide effective strategies for children who struggle with sitting still in school. Occupational Therapists work with children to develop skills that help them manage their energy levels, improve focus, and regulate sensory input. For children with low muscle tone or poor postural control, OT can also focus on strengthening core muscles and improving posture. Here are some common strategies that OT may recommend:
1. Incorporating Sensory Breaks
Children with ADHD or sensory processing issues benefit from sensory breaks—short periods of movement during the day. These breaks allow children to release energy, reset their focus, and get the sensory input they need to stay calm.
How to use this at home or school: Teachers can include short sensory breaks between lessons or activities. At home, encourage movement breaks during homework time, such as stretching or bouncing on a therapy ball.
2. Improving Core Strength and Postural Control
For children with low muscle tone or poor postural control, Occupational Therapists work on improving core strength and stability. Strengthening the muscles around the abdomen, back, and hips can help children sit upright more comfortably and for longer periods.
How to use this at home or school: Engage your child in activities that build core strength, such as climbing, yoga, or using a balance board. At school, your child’s teacher might allow them to sit on a wiggle cushion or therapy ball to help improve their posture while still providing movement.
3. Using Sensory Tools
Children with sensory processing difficulties often benefit from sensory tools that help them stay focused. Fidget toys can provide the sensory input that children need to feel comfortable and stay seated.
How to use this at home or school: Use sensory tools during seated activities, such as homework or reading time. Teachers can offer these tools to children during class to help them focus without disrupting others.
4. Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment
For children with sensory challenges, small changes in the classroom environment can make a big difference. Occupational Therapists can suggest adjustments, such as reducing background noise, dimming harsh lights, or providing a quiet space for children to work.
How to use this at home or school: At school, work with your child’s teacher to modify the learning environment. At home, create a calm and quiet area for homework or other seated activities.
5. Incorporating Physical Activity
Ensuring that children get enough physical activity is key to helping them stay still during class. Occupational Therapists often encourage physical play to help burn off excess energy and improve focus.
How to use this at home or school: Encourage outdoor play, sports, or active games before and after school. At school, teachers can include physical activities, like stretching or running, between lessons.
Conclusion
If your child has trouble sitting still in school, the reasons may include high energy levels, sensory processing difficulties, ADHD, low muscle tone, or boredom. Occupational Therapy offers valuable strategies to address these challenges, from incorporating sensory breaks and strengthening core muscles to creating sensory-friendly environments and providing movement opportunities.
If you’re concerned about your child’s ability to sit still and focus, OneOnOne Children’s Therapy offers comprehensive Occupational Therapy services in Bondi Junction and Mascot. Our experienced therapists can develop a personalised plan to help your child improve focus, strengthen their muscles, and thrive in school. They are registered with AHPRA.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your child’s development.
