You’re sitting on a brightly colored rug. The smell of old crayons and floor wax is thick in the air. Suddenly, a teacher claps their hands and shouts, "Criss cross applesauce!" Instantly, twenty toddlers fold their legs like human pretzels. It’s a universal childhood memory for anyone born after 1990.
But why do we say it? Honestly, if you grew up in the 70s or 80s, you probably didn't. You likely called it "Indian style." Then, somewhere along the way, the language shifted. It wasn't just a random change; it was a massive cultural pivot that changed how we talk to kids.
The Weird History of the Rhyme
Most people think "criss cross applesauce" is just a silly way to say "cross your legs." It’s actually part of a much creepier nursery rhyme. You know the ones—the kind that sound cute until you actually listen to the words.
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The full version usually goes something like this:
- Criss cross applesauce (Draw an X on the child’s back)
- Spiders crawling up your back (Tickle your way up their spine)
- Cool breeze (Blow on their neck)
- Tight squeeze (Give 'em a big hug)
- Now you’ve got the shiveries!
It started as a "tickle game" or a sensory rhyme used by parents to calm babies down. Teachers eventually hijacked the first line because it’s catchy. It’s got that trochaic meter that kids respond to—DUM-da DUM-da DUM-da DUM-da. It’s basically a linguistic hypnotic trigger for "shut up and sit down."
Why the Name Changed (And Why People Are Still Mad)
The transition from "Indian style" to criss cross applesauce didn't happen overnight. It was a slow crawl through the 90s.
By the early 2000s, "Indian style" was largely phased out of public schools. Why? Because it was based on a 19th-century stereotype. Early European settlers saw Native Americans sitting cross-legged and labeled it as their "style," even though people in Asia and the Middle East had been sitting that way for thousands of years. Think about the Lotus position in Yoga—that’s been around for five millennia.
Some parents still roll their eyes at the change. They see it as "political correctness gone mad." You’ll find forums full of people complaining that "applesauce" sounds too prissy.
But for teachers? It’s practical. "Criss cross" is a literal instruction. It tells the kid exactly what to do with their legs. The "applesauce" part is just the rhythmic "hook" that makes the command stick.
Beyond the Name: The "Spoons" Variation
If you really want to get into the weeds of classroom management, some teachers add a second part: "Criss cross applesauce, spoons in the bowl."
The "spoons" are the kid's hands. The "bowl" is their lap. It’s a clever way to make sure little hands aren't poking the neighbor or pulling at the rug fibers. It’s all about containment.
Is Sitting This Way Actually Bad for Kids?
Physical therapists are actually starting to push back on the "criss cross" mandate. It turns out, making a five-year-old sit perfectly still in a cross-legged position for 20 minutes is a big ask.
For some kids, it’s physically painful.
- Tight Hamstrings: If a child has tight hamstrings, sitting this way forces their pelvis to tilt backward. They end up slouching just to stay upright.
- Core Strength: Staying in a "tall spine" position requires a lot of core engagement. If a kid is "wiggling," it might not be because they aren't listening. Their muscles might just be tired.
- The "W-Sitting" Problem: You’ve probably seen kids sit with their knees forward and feet out to the sides. That’s W-sitting. Teachers hate it because it’s bad for hip development, so they push "criss cross" as the healthy alternative.
The reality is that no single position is "perfect." Occupational therapists now suggest "flexible seating." This means letting kids sit with their legs straight out (long sitting), on their knees, or even standing.
How to Do It Without Hurting Your Back
If you’re an adult trying to sit criss cross applesauce—maybe you’re playing with your kids or doing a floor-based workout—don't just flop down. Your hips probably aren't as mobile as they were in 1998.
Basically, if your knees are way higher than your hips, you’re going to strain your lower back. Grab a firm pillow or a yoga block. Sit on the edge of it. This tilts your pelvis forward and lets your knees drop. Suddenly, you can breathe better and you don't feel like your spine is a wet noodle.
Moving Forward With the Sauce
The phrase isn't going anywhere. It’s baked into the DNA of the American education system. But we should probably stop treating it as the "only" way to sit.
If you're a parent or a teacher, watch the kid. If they’re struggling to hold the position, let them change it. Movement is actually how the brain stays awake. Forcing a child into a rigid criss cross applesauce might actually make them learn less because they’re too busy focusing on their aching knees.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Test your mobility: Try sitting cross-legged on the floor today. If you can't keep your back straight, you likely have tight hip flexors.
- Audit the "W": If you have kids, check if they are "W-sitting." Gently encourage them to switch to criss cross or "tailor sitting" to protect their hip joints.
- Use the "20-Minute Rule": Never let a child (or yourself) stay in the same floor position for more than 20 minutes. Toss in a "movement break" to reset the nervous system.
- Try a prop: Use a "Zafu" cushion or a folded-up towel under your sit-bones the next time you have to be on the floor. Your lower back will thank you.