Remind yourself audibly to keep good posture so your child can hear you as you self-correct.
Abnormal bone growth can result from long-term improper posture. Poor posture can result in disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome and spinal abnormalities, which can cause pain in the joints and limited mobility later on in life. [3] X Research source Your breathing improves with better posture, which can increase your energy and ability to concentrate as your brain needs oxygen to work. [4] X Research source Good posture can also improve self-image. People who slouch less tend to feel better about themselves as standing tall and straight promotes confidence. [5] X Research source
Watch posture strengthening exercises on YouTube with your child. An easy exercise to practice is to stretch towards the ceiling, relax, and then repeat. You can find child-friendly cartoons and handouts online that discuss posture. Children tend to respond to kid-friendly visuals over blocks of text or lectures. Printing some images out at home or at your local library can help. [6] X Research source You can also have your children engage in fun, creative activities to help you learn about posture. Have your children draw pictures of people using good posture and bad posture. [7] X Research source Other creative outlets can help. Consider writing a song about good posture or putting on a short play with your kids. [8] X Research source
Take the course along with your older children to help them develop healthy habits later in life. As so many children spend a lot of time on computers and smartphones, yoga can be a refreshing break from being slouched over a screen. Yoga promotes posture and flexibility and may increase children’s attention spans as they’ll learn to spend time away from electronic devices. [9] X Research source Make sure any classes you enroll your child in are taught by a certified teacher. This way, you’ll know the teacher understands what poses are doable for children and your child will get the most out of the experience. [10] X Research source
Play “My Fair Lady,” a game in which kids have to walk across a room carrying a book on their head without having it fall off. Kids will have to learn how to stand up properly and position their head and neck in such a way that promotes posture. [11] X Research source Encourage climbing. Have your children climb trees or buy climbing nets, climbing domes, or even ladders. Climbing requires a certain amount of core stability and strength that will encourage good posture. [12] X Research source Take your kids on bike rides. The way you need to sit on a bike to find balance results in good posture. [13] X Research source
Tables and desks should always be elbow height. Make sure your child is working at a desk that meets these conditions. Do not allow your child to do homework on the couch or in bed. [16] X Research source Teach your child proper posture when using a computer. Make sure you tell your child to keep the bottom of her palms lifted above the keyboard rather than resting on it and to keep her shoulders shifted back and her back straight as she types. [17] X Research source
Make sure your child’s mattress is firm, as a soft mattress can cause back discomfort that leads to slouching. Avoid overly cushy chairs or sofas, as children might sink into these objects and end up slouching. Encourage kids to sit with their feet flat on the floor. [19] X Expert Source Jason Myerson, DPT, DMT, OCS, FAAOMPTPhysical Therapist & Certified Orthopedic Specialist [v161359_b01] 15 April 2020. Crossing the legs can twist the spine and result in bad posture.
