Help! My Child Has Flat Feet – What You Need to Know as a Parent

Are flat feet in children something to worry about? As an orthotist (and parent), I often get asked when a child’s flat feet are part of normal development — and when they might need a little support. In this post, I’ll walk you through what’s typical, what signs to watch for, and some simple things you can do at home to support your child’s growing feet — including a short video featuring my own kids!

What’s Normal When It Comes to Flat Feet?

The good news? Flat feet are a totally normal part of early development for most children.

Most children are born with flat feet. In fact, the arch of the foot doesn’t typically develop until around the age of 6 or 7. This happens naturally as the bones mature and the muscles and ligaments strengthen.

So, if your child is under 7 and you don’t see a visible arch — don’t panic. It’s part of their natural development.

A Simple Reassurance Tip

Try this quick check at home:

• Ask your child to stand on their tiptoes – if an arch appears, it means their feet are flexible and functioning as they should.

It’s a really helpful and reassuring way to see if your child’s foot structure is developing normally.

A Simple Balance Game to Try at Home

Supporting healthy foot development doesn’t have to be complicated — it can actually be fun!

In the video below, I share a simple sock balance game we play at home that helps strengthen:

• Core and hip muscles
• Intrinsic foot muscles
• Balance and coordination

How to play:

1. What you need: 2 boxes and a number of soft objects – we use pairs of socks.
2. Have your child stand on one foot and move each pair of socks from one box to the other.
3. Then switch feet!
4. Turn it into a race or a “how many can you do in 30 seconds” challenge.

It’s great fun and a sneaky way to support their physical development.

When Should I Be Concerned?

While flat feet are usually nothing to worry about, here are a few signs that might suggest your child could benefit from some extra support:

• Complaints of foot, ankle, or knee pain
• Arch still flat when standing on tiptoes
• Getting tired quickly during playtime or walks
• Tripping or stumbling more than usual

If you notice any of these, it might be worth getting a professional opinion from your GP, physiotherapist or orthotist.

Final Thoughts

Flat feet are often just a normal part of growing up. In most cases, your child’s arches will develop naturally as they grow.

But if you’re unsure or something doesn’t feel quite right, trust your instincts. A quick check-in with a biomechanical specialist can offer peace of mind — and helpful guidance if needed.

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Wondering if your little one’s feet are developing as they should? I’m here if you’d like to chat — pop me a message.

Gráinne x