Chiro for Kids
What is a good posture for kids?
A good posture is the child’s awareness of how they are sitting and standing with the least amount of strain to their back and neck. It is important to address and promote good posture for children to develop better habits and prevent many physical problems which can hamper their daily activities and general well-being when they become an adult. Poor posture is often a side effect developed over an excessive period of time which gradually worsens when it is not addressed or treated properly. Bad posture does not only lead to back, neck and other spinal problems but it can also lead to a plethora of major medical issues including obesity, asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and coronary disease.
Did you know ?
Adults spend over half of their waking hours sitting down throughout the day. Children also spend 8.5 hours sitting down throughout the day. It is interesting to note that your posture can have an impact on how you are emotionally feeling. If you are hunching over with a bad posture it can trigger negative memories! On the other hand sitting or standing upright with a good posture can brighten your mood and also cognitively recollect positive thoughts!
Factors which can impact the posture of a child
Maintaining and developing good posture from childhood and adolescence is important for good health. Posture of a child can be influenced by a number of factors:
Age and gender
Self-confidence
Height and weight
Seating equipment and arrangement at school and home
The weight and size of their school bag
Tips for your child’s good posture
Ensure that chairs and desks are of appropriate size and height for your child.. The chair should allow the child to touch the floor with their feet when their bottom is positioned at the very back of the chair. The backrest of the chair should support from the lower back to the shoulder blades. It's important they try to maintain good posture by keeping shoulders back and relaxed with both feet firmly on the floor.
When the child is studying, elevate the laptop or book to eye level with a pillow. Sitting on stools or chairs without back support can also encourage the child to practise good posture.
The school backpack should be worn over both shoulders and the heavier items are placed closer to the child’s back. It’s important that they are carried and packed correctly by wearing it with both straps, adjusting the bag to the correct height and ensuring only the essentials are packed.
When a child is standing for a long period of time ask them to squat! Squatting is a simple and easy exercise which lengthens the back and releases the tension by utilising your knees to its full extent.
Maintaining a nutritious diet is important at any age, but especially for growing and developing children. Eating a balanced, healthy diet is essential to keeping kids alert in the classroom and active in the playground.
Watch the way your child eats ! Make sure your child is not leaning forward to eat their food but brings the food to them to improve good posture.
Although technology and smart devices are a part of modern learning, try to reduce recreational screen time to two hours every day or at least maintain a balance between screen and non-screen related activities
Getting enough physical activity is key for a child’s wellbeing, so as a guide, kids should try and get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.
Make sure everything the child is seeing or using is eye-level!
As a community, it is important that we support children and educate them to make the right decisions about their health and wellbeing.
Visit our Chiropractic clinic and consult with Dr Stephen or Dr Andrew if:
Your child complains about any back pain or neck pain which interferes with their sleep or everyday activities
Slouches over constantly
Unable to stand up straight or difficulty in doing so
Appears to have uneven and bad posture which includes a curve in the spine when standing
Feels tired or drowsy from long periods of sitting or standing up
Our Chiropractors at Spinal Care Chiropractic Clinic located in Sydney Olympic Park can provide you with advice and assistance on implementing these positive health habits into your child’s daily activities.
For more assistance about your child’s spine or neck inquiries please call Spinal Care Chiropractic on (02) 8964 6385 or book online to see Dr. Stephen Yoon or Dr. Andrew Al Hage for a consultation!
We are located at Suite 105 102 Bennelong Parkway, Sydney Olympic Park.
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