Single leg stance is a skill that many of the kids we see in the clinic have a difficult time mastering. But why is it important that they master this skill?
Whether you realize it or not, single leg balance is a skill we use frequently during tasks, such as climbing stairs, kicking a ball, stepping over obstacles or in and out of the shower, and even putting on shoes or pants while standing!Â
So, we know that single leg balance is important, but when should your child be able to balance on one foot? By 3-4 years of age, your child should be able to stand on one foot for 5 seconds and by 4-5 years of age they should be able to for 10 seconds. If you notice that your child is struggling to stand on one foot, here are some ideas of activities you can try to help them master this skill:Â
- Stepping over obstacles
- Place an obstacle such as a toy, box of food, etc. (small objects to make it easier, larger objects to make it more difficult) on the floor and have your child slowly step over the object.
- Toe tapsÂ
- Place a few various items on the floor in front of your child (cans, toys, colored cones, etc.) have them lift their foot and tap the items with their toes. To start, have them tap only one item at a time. To make it more difficult, have them tap 2-3 objects before placing their foot back on the ground.Â
- Modified single leg stanceÂ
- Have your child stand with one foot on the floor and one foot on a raised surface such as a step stool. To make this more difficult, have them stand with one foot on a can laying on its side or a ball. Have them maintain this position while participating in an activity such as a puzzle or playing catch.Â
- Popping bubbles
- Blow bubbles and have your child try to pop them using their toes! You can try to catch the bubbles on the wand and hold it in one place for your child to pop to make it easier, or just have them try to pop them as they float in the air!Â
- Bean bag pick up/toss
- Have your child use their feet to toss bean bags from the top of their foot to a basket or bucket. You can either have them try to pick up the bean bags by scooping them onto their foot or picking them up with their toes or you can place them on top of their foot for them. If you don’t have bean bags, you can use laundry or stuffed animals!
Make sure to practice each of these activities on the left and the right! To make any of these activities easier, you can give your child support by letting them hold onto a chair, wall, or your hand with one or two hands or support them at their hips. If you want to make any of these more difficult, have your child stand on a pillow or other unstable surface like a couch cushion or wiggle cushion. You could also make it more difficult by having them practice with their eyes closed and with their hands on their hips.Â
If you have concerns about your child’s balance, reach out to their pediatrician and request a referral for physical therapy! We would love to help your child master single leg stance and any other skills that they may have difficulty with. Our goal is to help your child reach their highest potential!