If you or someone else thinks your child is 'clumsy' you may want to have them checked by a chiropractor.

My daughter was right on track developmentally until about the age of two. She began to fall down much more often and 'trip' over her toes. On a hunch I had her checked out by a chiropractor. It turned out that one leg was shorter than the other. But this wasn't a birth defect it was a direct symptom of her spine being out of alignment.

A very gentle and simple adjustment later and both her legs are the same length again. And, much to my relief her 'clumsiness' is also gone, at least until she is out of alignment again.

If you suspect misalignments in your child, here are some things to look for:

• One hip or shoulder that rests higher than the other
• One hand sits higher when placed by your child’s side
• Shoulder blade that sticks out or is higher than the other
• Foot turned in or out
• One leg shorter or stands with one knee bent at rest
• Complaints of joint aches or "popping"
• Head tilted to one side
• Clumsy or poor balance
• Fatigue or hyperactivity

Pediatric conditions that can be treated with chiropractic care:

• Scoliosis (curvature of the spine)
• Nocturnal enuresis (bed wetting)
• Deformational plagiocephaly (flat spots on the head)
• Headaches
• Back pain
• Otitis media (ear infections)
• Babies who are unsettled
• Babies that are not nursing well on the mothers breast
• Children who are clumsy
• Children who have learning difficulties
• Colic
• Sporting injuries such as sprains/strains or joint problems
• Children experiencing sinus problems
• Children who have allergies