4 Steps to Create Strong Posture in Kids
Good strong posture is important - not just because it exudes confidence - it indicates that our spine is in the strongest position possible to deal with life's daily stresses & our good friend gravity. Unfortunately, I am now seeing too often younger & younger children presenting with very poor and weak posture. While strengthening your posture can be achieved at any stage of life, prevention is far better than the cure & this is why I present the:
4 EASIEST WAYS to HELP YOUR KIDS DEVELOP STRONG POSTURE
1. TEACH BY EXAMPLE
When young, children are observational sponges & pick up so much information at the sub-conscious level. By setting a good example of holding yourself tall & straight, avoiding hunching & long periods at the desk - your child can observe & mimic your good trend.
2. EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE
Simply telling your child to "SIT UP STRAIGHT" generally has the same effect as when you were told (or still are!) In order to create long lasting change, provide some detailed education around how good posture makes a difference to creating strong muscles & improves breathing & concentration. Here is a simple movement I recommend during workshops - ask your child to hunch & slouch & slump as much as they can & take a deep breath at the same time. NOW ask them to sit straight & tall with their chest out & take a deep breath. Chances are, like many, they will notice how much EASIER it is to breath when STRAIGHT & TALL!
3. ENGAGE IN ACTIVITY
Strong posture is created through flexible spines & strong muscles. Flexible spines are created through stretching & moving. Strong muscles area created through activity. Play games that involve different ways of stretching the body & strengthening muscles such as trying yoga poses together, having them walk & balance a book on their head, have them participate in climbing activities such as up ladders & climbing ropes at your local playground. Encourage your child to have a stretch break if they are studying. Every little bit helps!
4. LIMIT TECH TIME
I left it to the end because, yes, it is the obvious one, and we really cannot escape the role that technology plays in our children's lives. Whenever possible, limit tech time to 30 minutes maximum. Encourage movement directly after tech time. If watching TV, have your child lay on their tummy on the floor with their elbow's supporting their chin - I call this the "Watching TV Stretch" & it is a great way to improve posture while they are vegging out!
So there you have it - you can try one or all of these simple methods today. If you are worried about your child's posture, arranging an appointment with your local chiropractor for a full spinal and postural evaluation is a recommended idea & may help prevent the issue worsening as they get older.
HAS IT BEEN AWHILE SINCE YOUR LAST CHIROPRACTIC POSTURAL EVALUATION? SELECT BOOK ONLINE TO ARRANGE A CHECK UP TODAY.
This article is presented by:
Dr. Mario R Ferraro - Chiropractor & Wellness Practitioner.
Caroline Springs & Essendon
VICTORIA AUSTRALIA
The Information presented in this article is a guide only and does not substitute for health professional consultation. Any pain that is of a persistent nature should be thoroughly assessed by your qualified health care practitioner.