by Apple Therapy
Summer for kids brings increased activity and movement; they are free to run and roam freely. The return to the classroom soon replaces movement with sitting and studying. With this change in activity, it is important for teachers, parents, and kids to be aware of proper posture at home and school to limit pain and postural dysfunction in the future.
Here are some tips to keep your kids pain-free:
- Teach them proper sitting posture
- At the desk, make sure the child’s feet are flat on the floor
- Hips, knees, and ankles are at 90 degrees
- Elbow is bent at table height
- When using a tablet or computer, elevate the screen to eye level– Keep your laptop, tablets, and books at eye level to avoid hunching.
- Schedule movement breaks– Sitting for long periods in the classroom or at home can be unproductive and allows poor posture to set in. Get up frequently to stretch, walk around and refocus.
- Keep those backpacks light– A backpack should be no heavier than 10-15% of your child’s weight. Carry only those items that are required for the day. Organize the backpack’s contents by placing the heaviest items closest to the back. Check out last year’s blog on backpack wearing: https://appletherapy.com/back-to-school-tips-to-help-your-student-stay-healthy-during-the-school-year
