A Toddler’s Stance

Dear Students:
Whenever students hold misconceptions about what good standing entails, I direct them to observe a *toddler’s stance for answers. Because a tot* is fresh from infancy’s developmental movement process & bad habits are not fully established they stand better than adults.
{*A typically developing toddler that has gone through all the developmental movements on their own time, without interference from modern equipment such as: walkers, seats, standers, jumpers, cell phones, i-pads, etc.} 

When children are encouraged to interact with mother nature’s wonders, their attention can expand & be drawn to many things requiring them to continue to perform a vast range of movements.  This enhances their development on all levels while creating an ideal stance that is always in motion. For instance the action of going up & down from a squatting position to look at a bug or flower, requires the pelvis to move from flexion to extension through each individual vertebrae like links in a chain.  This keeps the entire skeletal system in a healthy alignment allowing the feet up to the head, to carry out the tiny balancing motions that human beings are meant to do throughout life.

When looking at these youngsters* standing, your eyes may easily see their round bellies, their freely hanging arms & the natural curves in their backs.  Also notice the pelvis resting slightly behind their heads & the heels falling directly underneath their hip joints.  This posture helps them be able to spring into action quickly because they don’t have to reposition their feet to move in any direction they desire. 

If you wish to explore the dynamic nature of standing, register for my next workshop on Sat. Oct. 10 called Dynamic Standing at donna_bervinchak@yahoo.com.  For more information click on the workshop name.  Peace!
~Donna