Starting kindergarten is a big milestone—not just emotionally, but physically too! From carrying backpacks and tying shoelaces to navigating classroom routines and mastering toileting independence, your child is stepping into a new world that demands coordination, strength, and confidence.
At BodyLab Recovery Science in St. Catharines, our pediatric physiotherapist Kaitlyn Ross is here to help your little one develop the foundational skills they need to thrive in school—while making it fun, age-appropriate, and empowering for both kids and parents.
🎒 Backpack Basics: Preventing Strain from Day One
Backpacks may seem small, but they can cause discomfort or even injury if not worn properly. Our physiotherapist can help:
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Teach kids how to wear their backpacks properly (both straps, tight to the back, not below the waist).
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Ensure your child’s backpack is the right size and weight—no more than 10–15% of their body weight.
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Address posture issues early, so your child walks tall and comfortably.
Tip: Look for a backpack with wide, padded straps and a chest strap for extra support.
👟 Shoe Tying & Dressing Independence
Many children struggle with tying their shoes or managing zippers and buttons. Pediatric physiotherapists can:
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Help develop fine motor coordination needed for tasks like tying laces and manipulating clothing fasteners.
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Recommend adaptive techniques or practice routines to make dressing easier and stress-free.
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Build hand strength through fun, play-based therapy activities.
Pro Tip: If laces are too challenging at first, consider Velcro shoes while you work with your physio on motor skills.
🚽 Toileting Confidence & Core Strength
Toileting at school is a big leap for many children. Some common challenges include:
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Poor core strength leading to wobbly sitting on the toilet
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Difficulty with pulling pants up/down
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Delayed body awareness or lack of independence
Pediatric physiotherapists work with kids on:
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Core muscle activation for better sitting and stability
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Balance and coordination
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Toilet posture and routine-building
Reminder: Toileting is a skill that develops over time—support, not shame, is key.
Movement, Focus & Classroom Readiness
Did you know many kindergarten readiness checklists include physical milestones? A pediatric physio can assess and help with:
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Sitting still for circle time through postural support
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Crossing midline to write and color
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Balance and coordination for PE and playground play
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Gross motor planning for following movement instructions (like Simon Says!)
We also help with sensory processing—some children need help adjusting to the new sights, sounds, and routines of school.
✅ Is Your Child Ready? We Can Help!
Every child develops at their own pace, but if you notice:
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Trouble with motor skills (jumping, running, catching)
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Difficulty dressing or toileting independently
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Frequent tripping or fatigue
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Struggles with fine motor tasks like crayons or scissors
…pediatric physiotherapy could be the missing link.
📍 Pediatric Physiotherapy in St. Catharines
At BodyLab Recovery Science, our pediatric physiotherapist Kaitlyn Ross takes a gentle, encouraging approach to help your child build strength, independence, and confidence. Whether your child needs a full assessment or just a little boost to be classroom-ready, we’re here for you.
💬 Book a back-to-school pediatric physio check-up today!
🧒 Let’s give your child the best start possible—strong, confident, and ready to learn!
