5 tricks to teach your children good posture
Since we have benefited from all the technology verities, probably you have noticed that you spend more time on your laptop, tablet, phone or watching TV. So do the kids. Are you one of these parents who say over and over to your kids: “don’t haunch” “sit up straight” or “straighten up!”. If so, this article is simply for you. Our spine surgeon in Boynton Beach, Dr. Hepler, will present 5 tricks that you can use to teach your children good posture, and WHAT’S MORE, prevent back, neck or even knee pain in the future.
1. Instead of saying “straighten up!”, be the example!
How many times do you tell your kids to not haunch and sit up straight? As you notice, it doesn’t help as you have to say it over and over again. Instead of being an irritated parent, maybe it’s better to be a good example in the first place. Be aware of your own posture. As they say “awareness is half the battle”, so be conscious and teach your child to be aware of his or her own body as well. What you can do is present the right posture and make it a habit.
2. Reward your kids
Probably you know that it’s better to give your children rewards than punishments. Rewards are more effective with children. So, don’t get upset or irritated if you see your child haunching her/his back. What you can do is to praise your children when they do straight up, even with just a simple good word. For example, when you see your daughter or son standing with her back straight, compliment them and say how tall and classy they look, like a grown-up woman and man. In other words, motivate them and you will see the results immediately.
3. Let your kids do many various activities
Activities play an important role, especially during the development of your child. Did you know that children learn movements by being active? What does it mean? It means that the best way to let your kids develop their muscles is by attending to various kinds of sports. Different sports, and different games demand different movement patterns, which is better than doing only a single sport where there’s a risk of over, or under using certain muscles. Encourage your children to be active. And don’t focus on only one sport.
Additionally, activities like yoga or tai-chi are recommended for kids. As you probably know, many of the positions require a straight spine for the deep breaths and correct extension. In this case, you don’t have to be worried that your child is too young for yoga as there are many programs adjusted for kids.
However, the most important thing for your child is to be active! Also, you can reduce using all electronic devices such as phones, tablets, iPods, computers or even TV and use them only as a reward for being active. Don’t forget, the kids sit a lot at school so don’t allow them to sit more and destroy their posture and spine at home.
Are you worried about the health conditions of your growing children? Does he or she have the correct posture while sitting or standing? If you are not sure, contact our spine expert Dr. Matthew Hepler who is a pediatric and adult spine surgeon and treating various conditions, including spinal stenosis, sciatica or scoliosis in children in Fort Lauderdale.
4. Let your little ones walk barefoot
According to studies babies don’t need shoes. What’s more, it is healthier for babies to walk without shoes as their feet are developing that way. In other words, being barefoot boosts your child’s development. Wearing shoes can cause flat feet, thus lead to the knees pointing inward, which causes knee pain, poor gait and even difficulty walking later in the future. Keep in mind that kids don’t need flip-flops. They can and should be barefoot as their balance information comes from their feet and shoes might stunt the neurological development. Keep away from putting your little ones in shoes, unless it is really necessary.
5. Ensure your kids use aligned furnitures
As you know, your child spends a lot of time at the desk, doing homework or using a computer. Make it easy for your kids to apply correct posture by providing an appropriately sized and aligned desk, chair and computer. What’s more, you can also help your children learn proper posture by making him or her sit on a yoga ball while watching tv or playing computer games. The ball strengthens their back muscles and improves spinal stability.
Learn more about Spine Surgeon in Boynton Beach – Dr. Matthew Hepler, M.D.
Dr. Matthew Hepler specializes in Pediatric and Adult Spine Surgery with a subspecialty interest in complex spine reconstruction. If you suspect your child has a curve in his or her spine, visit our pediatric spine specialist Dr. Hepler, who treats not only scoliosis in children, but also many other conditions. He can quickly assess the condition and use specific methods to determine the cause. Dr. Matthew Hepler provides leading expertise with compassionate, individualized care throughout South Florida (Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale). If you would like more information, or to schedule an appointment, please do not hesitate to Contact Us.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
