Are Your Kids Suddenly Clumsy?

Posted by Carrie Henderson Weston Apr 1, 2006

We've finally been having some warm spring weather, but along with it, it seems like our kids are getting injured more often than usual. I have noticed this from year to year, and recently one of my fellow teachers said something that reminded me why. For the past 5 months (or so, depending upon where you live) our kids have been bundled up in coats, mittens, snowpants, boots, scarves, hats and a variety of other snow-wear. This has provided a cushion for any fall or stumble. Some of the kids on my playground end up being so bundled up that they resemble people inside of those giant sumo-wrestler costumes at county fairs and other parties. The snow has also added extra padding from the ultimate destination in a fall-- the ground. Our kids have grown accustomed to landing on something the range of a featherbed, and their bodies have to retrain themselves for the new feel of the world around them. So, if your child seems to be clumsier than usual, wait a week or so and watch the amazing process of re-learning a thing as simple as falling.