It’s officially back to school season in the UK with many children returning to school for the first time in a long while thanks to the unprecedented measures and closures of school during the COVID pandemic. We know lots of parents and children will be a little apprehensive about these new changes – and it’s been many months of home-learning for most children! Now that they’re going back to normal, it’s time for a refresh of healthy habits so here’s how to ensure good posture for kids during this time!
Choosing the Right School Bag
Choosing a new school bag for the term ahead is a great way to get the kids excited about going back to school and lots of parents let their children choose, based on their favourite shops, colours, designs or cartoons. It’s important to make sure you’re choosing the right school bag for a child’s size and needs, however. Here are some helpful pointers from our experienced physiotherapists:
- Ensure the school bag is no longer or wider than the length or width of the child’s back. Bags that sit lower or wider will place strain on children!
- Regularly adjust the ties on both sides of the bag so that the bag sits in the right place, is even on both sides and doesn’t cause back problems. The general weight of the bag’s contents will alter the straps so it’s a good idea to check this weekly.
Remind Children About Good Desk Posture
Lots of children have been making do at home during the pandemic and it may be useful to remind them of good desk posture to ensure they prevent neck and back pain – and are in the optimum position for learning! Showing your child a visual aid such as the below might help them better adjust to school life again and protect them from back and neck issues now and in the future!
Improving Core Strength Through Fun
There are many fun ways children can contribute to good posture and core strength. They might not even realise that’s what they’re doing! Getting an aerobics ball (for children, so that their feet are flat on the ground) is a great start. Children, whether they know it or not, will have to use their core strength and balance to maintain stability, bettering their overall posture.
With these tips, you can be sure that you’re helping your child build healthy habits and setting them up for a comfortable future with good posture! For further assistance and advice, as well as home assessments, don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call on 02078 840374.