Newsletter September 2011

September 14, 2011
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We strive to bring you the most helpful and up to date information every month, and this month's newsletter is no exception.
You can scroll down through the articles below, or you can click on a headline you like to go directly to that article.

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This Month's Headlines:

Getting Kids in Alignment
Sharing With Your Child’s Teacher
Finding Friendships: Helping Children Connect With Peers

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Getting Kids in Alignment

There’s a lot to keep in mind and prepare for in the first few months of school. Between school supplies, books and new clothes there’s plenty to do to help prepare your child for a great school year. One area that’s easy to overlook is the physical demands school places on your child’s growing body.

In our digital age, students are spending more and more time on the computer, not only for doing homework and research, but also social things like Facebook or email. Anyone who works in an office knows that sitting at a computer for extended periods of time can be uncomfortable and harsh on your body. Here’s how you can help your child have better posture and healthier habits at the computer this coming school year.

• The first rule has been a longtime standard for parents, computers or not: no slouching! Children should sit straight in their chairs, with an elongated spine. Make sure the chair and desk you have is a good fit for your child’s size.
• Eyes should align with the screen so that students are not glancing down or up, putting unnecessary strain on the neck. Monitors should be about arm’s length away..
• If your child is too short for your set-up, provide pillows to sit on, and a box under their feet so their legs rest at a 90-degree angle..
• Remind children to take breaks from the computer after long periods of time. They may fight you on this one, especially if they’re playing video games or chatting with friends, but it’s important to get them in the habit of periodically stretching their necks, backs and wrists, and giving their eyes a rest from the bright screen. Experts recommend a break every 30 minutes or so, but you may find your child needs them more frequently..
• Make sure the mouse is positioned in a way that doesn’t force your child to overextend. Also teach them the correct way to use the keyboard, with a light touch rather than pounding on the keys, and aligned so the arms bend at approximately 90 degrees..

Another factor that affects kids daily is their backpacks. Parents often forget that these can get heavy with books pretty quickly, especially for younger children. Add iPods, musical instruments, laptops and lunches into the mix and your child has a seriously heavy load on his or her back. Keep the following in mind when selecting a backpack and assessing what your child needs to carry around.

• The backpack should weigh no more than 10-15% of the child’s body weight. Any more and the child has to lean forward to support the weight.
• The pack should be no more than 4 inches below the child’s waist or it puts unnecessary strain on the shoulders, leading to bad posture.
• Bags with compartments are a great way to distribute weight and keep everything organized. Heaviest items should be closest to the child’s body to lessen the load.
• Bigger isn’t always better; it may only encourage your child to put even more things in his or her bag. Choose one that fits your child’s frame well.
• Make sure kids use both shoulder straps to even the load. Otherwise they can develop strains and pains on one side.
• The straps should be on the tight side, keeping the pack up close to your child’s body. The further away it gets, the harder it is to manage.
• If you feel your child’s load is still too heavy, talk to the teacher to see which books may be left at school, or if a second set of books can be given to you for use at home. Teachers may have some other creative solutions you haven’t thought of too.

SourceChung, Jeffrey. “Be Ergo-Wise This School Year: How To Keep Kids in Alignment.” education.com
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