Is My Kid Clumsy or Is Something Else Going On?
Every parent has watched their child trip over thin air, bump into a doorframe, or knock over a full glass of water in a way that almost seemed impossible. A little clumsiness is a normal part of growing up, but if it feels like your child is always falling, tripping, or crashing into things, you might start to wonder if there’s something more going on. Sometimes what looks like “just being clumsy” can actually be linked to the way a child’s nervous system processes a sense called proprioception—their internal awareness of where their body is in space.
As chiropractors, we often meet families who come in concerned about clumsiness. What we frequently find is that the child’s proprioceptive system is working harder than it should be—and with the right support, it can improve.
What Is Proprioception?
Proprioception might sound like a big, complicated word, but it describes something we all rely on every single day: our sense of where our body is in space.
It’s what allows us to walk without constantly looking at our feet, touch our nose with our eyes closed, or move confidently around in the dark. For kids, it’s an especially important system because it underpins so many daily activities—running, climbing, sports, handwriting, balance, and even just sitting upright at school.
When a child’s proprioceptive system isn’t functioning at its best, life can feel frustrating. They may feel “behind” their peers, or get labelled as clumsy, when in fact their nervous system is simply working harder than it should to keep up.
Signs Your Child Might Be Struggling With Proprioception
All kids go through clumsy phases—it’s a normal part of growing up. But some kids consistently show difficulties that go beyond the occasional trip or tumble. Common signs include:
Frequently bumping into furniture, doorframes, or people
Tripping and falling more than peers (“always on the floor”)
Struggling with ball skills such as catching, throwing, or kicking
Getting frustrated with or avoiding play activities like kicking a ball with friends, climbing, or other movement-based games
Trouble learning new motor skills (like skipping or riding a bike)
Difficulty judging force (e.g. pressing too hard with a pencil, slamming doors)
Seeming restless or constantly seeking physical input (climbing, crashing, pushing)
What Affects Proprioception?
Several factors can impact how smoothly the proprioceptive system works:
Retained primitive reflexes – These are automatic reflexes babies are born with, and if they don’t integrate properly, they can interfere with motor control.
Low muscle tone – Kids with “floppy” muscles may have a harder time stabilizing their joints.
Spinal and nervous system function – Irritation or restriction in the upper spine, where many proprioceptive pathways travel, may affect body awareness.
Stress and the fight-or-flight response – A nervous system stuck in “overdrive” has less bandwidth for smooth, coordinated movement.
How Chiropractic Can Help
As chiropractors, we often see proprioception improve alongside overall nervous system function. Adjustments provide powerful input to the spine and nervous system, which can help “wake up” proprioceptive pathways and restore clearer communication between the brain and body.
At an initial consultation, we look at all of the systems that can influence proprioception—including primitive reflexes, muscle tone, and spinal function—so we can get a clear picture of what’s happening for your child.
Proprioception-Friendly Activities for Kids
Here are some simple, fun exercises and activities parents can try at home:
Animal Walks – Bear walks, crab walks, or frog jumps give great proprioceptive feedback through the hands, feet, and core muscles.
Wheelbarrow Walks – Hold your child’s legs while they “walk” on their hands. This builds strength and body awareness.
Jumping and Hopping – Use a trampoline, hopscotch, or simple on-the-spot jumps to engage the joints and muscles.
Catching and Throwing Games – Start with large, soft balls and work toward smaller, faster ones as skills improve.
Obstacle Courses – Crawling under chairs, climbing over cushions, or balancing along a rope on the ground challenges the nervous system in fun ways.
Heavy Work – Activities like carrying groceries, pushing laundry baskets, or gardening give strong proprioceptive input.
Barefoot Play – Walking barefoot on grass, sand, or uneven surfaces stimulates the dense network of sensors in the feet.
Find some fun examples in this video FUNdamental MOVE-MEnt Skills
If your child really struggles with these activities (in a way that’s unusual for their age), it may be worth having their proprioceptive system and nervous system assessed by a chiropractor.
The Takeaway
If your child seems unusually clumsy, constantly trips or bumps into things, or struggles with sports and coordination, it may not be “just how they are.” Their proprioceptive system may be under extra stress, and with the right support, it can improve.
Chiropractic adjustments can help restore clear communication between the brain and body, while simple daily activities can strengthen proprioceptive pathways. Together, these approaches give kids more confidence in their bodies—and make everyday life a whole lot smoother.