Although we are passionate in our quest to improve the adult work place, we are equally concerned about the next generation of children who suffer from poor posture long before they step into an office.

Bad posture is widespread across all ages, but particularly in schools where children don’t have the right seating, and just as important, aren’t receiving the education to combat poor posture at such a susceptible age.

Poor posture in children

Image by ehow.com

However, in the defence of teachers across the country it’s just not possible to sit with every pupil every second of the day and regulate their posture. It’s a fact that kids slouch and generally don’t walk as if trained rigorously at the local army barracks. You often hear random parents say “Sit up please, don’t slouch!” to their oblivious little ones, but can you really force a child to sit with a straight back? No.

So, our empathy extends to all teachers and parents (remember we are parents ourselves!) and that’s why we’ve looked into ways in which your children can improve muscle and bone strength for the future; in turn reducing the risk of bad posture.

Baby steps

Afford your baby a chance to develop lower back strength and neck control by natural progression at their own pace. For example, through lifting their head, rolling over, sitting, crawling and finally walking. Each stage prepares the muscle co-ordination for the next. If you rush them past a stage, some muscle groups will not be ready.

Growing pains

Don’t let children ‘grow into chairs’. Using a chair that is too big can be worse than one that is too small. Make sure the thigh length of the seat is less than theirs. If the seat is too long their calves will press against the seat front, which can also affect blood circulation.

They are what they eat

A balanced diet it crucial for ensuring your child’s bones grow properly now and into adulthood. Consistent exercise or playing sports regularly will also nurture steady bone growth.

Heavy goods

Don’t let them carry a heavy weight on one side of their body. A rucksack is far better than a cumbersome bag, especially if your child walks a long distance to school.

Are they sitting comfortably?

As we mentioned before it’s difficult for teachers to monitor your child every second, however that doesn’t mean that you can’t necessitate for them to provide the correct sized furniture. Ideally the school should have sloping desks but not bucket chairs. Institutes across the UK are now accommodating the right furniture as they appreciate not only the affect it has on their pupil’s concentration, but more specifically, their long term posture.

Our passion for a healthy posture and lifestyle applies to young and old and our ergonomic furniture cares about your body, no matter what your age.

For more information on how you can help reduce the risk of bad posture for you child visit www.familiesonline.co.uk