Many children experience difficulties with balance at different stages of development. For some, this may show up as frequent falls, appearing unsteady, or struggling to keep up with peers during play, sport, or physical education (PE). While occasional falls are a normal part of childhood, ongoing balance difficulties can increase the risk of injury and may raise concerns for parents, teachers, or caregivers. 

Balance challenges can also affect a child’s confidence, willingness to participate in physical activities, and enjoyment of movement, particularly if they feel unsure of their body or worry about falling. 

Why might a child have balance difficulties? 

Balance is a complex skill that relies on several systems working together. Difficulties may relate to one or more of the following: 

• Vestibular system development, which helps with balance and movement awareness 

• Proprioception, or body awareness, including how a child senses where their body is in space 

• Muscle strength and endurance, particularly in the core and lower limbs 

• Coordination and motor planning 

• Attention and concentration, especially in busy or stimulating environments 

• Regulation and emotional state, including excitement, anxiety, or fatigue 

• Visual processing or visual disturbances 

Because balance is influenced by many factors, it is not always obvious why a child is falling or appearing unsteady. Understanding what is contributing to the difficulty is an important part of supporting the child effectively. 

How physiotherapy can help 

Physiotherapy focuses on identifying the underlying factors affecting a child’s balance and developing an individualised plan to support their movement and confidence. Intervention may include: 

• Supporting development of balance reactions and postural control 

• Strengthening key muscle groups involved in stability 

• Improving coordination and movement control 

• Developing body awareness and confidence in movement 

• Supporting regulation and attention within movement tasks 

• Using play-based, age-appropriate activities to encourage safe challenge 

Therapy is tailored to the child’s developmental stage and delivered in a supportive, engaging way, with a focus on helping children move more confidently in everyday environments. 

Supporting participation and confidence 

Addressing balance difficulties can help reduce the risk of injury, support participation in PE and sport, and improve confidence during play and daily activities. Physiotherapy aims not only to reduce falls, but to help children feel more capable and secure in their movement. 

If you have concerns about your child’s balance, frequent falls, or participation in physical activity, physiotherapy assessment can help clarify what may be contributing and how best to support them.