How to Get your Kids to Stop Slouching
Here are some parents tips to help your children stop slouching and focus on productive work.
Imagine your kids' schedule. They sit for a long period of time while studying.. In their free time is divided between playing video games and surfing the Internet using their smartphone or computer.
The ongoing theme? Their arms are in front and their heads are down. Slouching becomes their default state.
As a parent, you want to nip this bad habit in the bud to prevent long-term ill effects like abnormal spinal development, arthritis, and joint degeneration. This leads us to the big question - how do you get your kids to stop slouching?1. Check that School Backpack
One of the most common culprits of back pain and poor posture in children is a heavy backpack. According to this research, a child's backpack should only weigh about 10% of his body weight at most. That means that if your child is 71 pounds, his backpack weight should only be 7 pounds max.
The height of the backpack should go from about two inches below the shoulder blades to slightly above waist level. It should have padded straps and back. Having multiple compartments helps with weight distribution.
Proper backpack usage also includes:2. Encourage Them to Be More Active
Strengthening key muscle groups like the glutes and abdominal muscles is vital in supporting good posture. This is why encouraging your kids to exercise and be active in general can help.
Martial arts, dance, and yoga are some activities that enhance the back and core muscles. You can even turn it into a bonding session with your kids.
If the weather is nice, you can go out and ride bikes. Slight inclines and hills will get your kids' arms and abs working to pump more power to their legs.
Be creative. Games are also a fun way to make them fitter and ultimately have better posture.
Try playing My Fair Lady with your kids. The goal is to walk across the room carrying a book on the head without it falling off. Another fun game is to imitate different animal walks like crab, cat, duck, snake, and flamingo walks.3. Teach your Kids How to Sit
Good posture is mainly a conscious decision, especially during those crucial formative years.
When your kids sit, observe and correct any poor posture immediately. Over time this will evolve to become a habit for them.
When your kid is reading or studying, experts recommend the 90-90-90 rule. That is, a straight back that makes a 90 degree angle to their thighs, bent knees at 90 degrees to the thighs, and flat feet.4. Help Build Your Kids' Self-Esteem
This issue is often overlooked but your kid might be slouching due to a low self-esteem.
It might be that your daughter is tall or she developed early. Some tall girls feel embarrassed when they tower over their peers. So they slouch to appear shorter. Girls who develop quickly also sometimes hunch forward to make their chest less noticeable.
What can you do to support your child during this awkward period?5. Be a Good Role Model
Use visual aids to show your children what a good sitting and standing posture look like. Of course, it goes without saying that whatever you preach, you should practice as well.
At the same time, don't forget to praise your kids for their efforts whenever possible. Constructive feedback is just as important to let them know how they can further improve their posture.
It's also a good idea to audibly remind yourself to not slouch. This way your child will be mindful of his or her own posture from hearing you self-correct.6. Consult Your Doctor
If after all these tips and your child still seems to be slouching, it's a good idea to consult your doctor. Your son or daughter might have a physical condition that's causing him or her to hunch.
For example, many people live with undiagnosed scoliosis. This is a condition wherein the spine has an S- or C-shaped curvature.
Another possible cause is kyphosis, an excessive arching of the upper back. This can be congenital or due to some other condition.7. Other Helpful Tips