26/04/2025
Tummy time isn’t just for babies! While we often think of tummy time as a baby milestone, it’s just as crucial for older kids. Core strength plays a big role in many everyday activities—like writing, sitting up straight in class, and staying focused throughout the school day. A strong core helps children maintain good posture, reduces fatigue, and supports better concentration.
As kids grow, their bodies are constantly developing, and strengthening their core provides a solid foundation for their physical and cognitive skills. Encouraging tummy time and core-building exercises can support your child’s success in school and other activities.
Here are a few fun core exercises for kids (and parents) to try together:
Superman Pose:
How to do it: Have your child lie on their tummy with arms extended straight ahead and legs stretched out behind. Encourage them to lift both arms and legs off the floor, holding the position for a few seconds. It’s like they’re flying through the air, strengthening their core, back, and shoulders.
Why it helps: This exercise strengthens the back and abdominal muscles, crucial for maintaining good posture while sitting or standing.
Plank Challenge:
How to do it: Start with your child in a plank position, either on their toes or knees for an easier version. Encourage them to hold the position for as long as they can, aiming to improve with each session. You can make it fun by turning it into a game to see who can hold the plank the longest!
Why it helps: The plank works the entire core, enhancing stability and posture—key for sitting upright at a desk or staying focused during class.
Bear Crawl:
How to do it: Get down on all fours, and have your child crawl forward while keeping their knees slightly off the ground, just like a bear. It’s a fun, active way to build strength while moving!
Why it helps: This exercise engages the core, shoulders, and legs, improving balance and coordination, which are important for physical and academic activities.
Leg Lifts:
How to do it: Have your child lie on their back with legs straight. Ask them to slowly lift one leg a few inches off the ground, hold for a few seconds, and then lower it. Al