Posture Perfect

Getting Kids to Straighten Up

By Lisa B. Samalonis

Rebecca Dalton of Sicklerville, N.J., worries that her 7-year-old son, Jake, is developing poor posture habits that will stay with him for the rest of his life. "I try to remind him to sit properly when he has computer time in our home office, but he forgets when he gets involved in the program," Dalton says. "Then when he plays X-Box, he slumps on the couch for an hour or more."

Homework time spells posture trouble, too. "When he does his homework at the kitchen table, he doesn't sit properly even when I tell him to," she says. "He is very fidgety."

Helping children recognize good posture can go a long way in their overall growth and development. Posture comes from a combination of factors, including good muscle control, strength and psychosocial issues such as self-confidence, according to Dr. Kristine Fortuna, assistant professor for the department of orthopedic surgery at Temple University in Philadelphia. "Teaching children self-confidence goes a long way to better posture," Dr. Fortuna says. "Also, strengthening abdominal and back muscles are also important."

Parents need to figure out when the child is using poor posture, Dr. Fortuna says. Is it when he is studying? Or when he is on the computer? "Parents have to address each of those issues individually," Dr. Fortuna says.

• If the child is slouching when he is using his laptop computer in bed, set the child up in an appropriately sized desk and chair, which will enforce good posture by means of environment.
• If the child is slouching when she is walking or standing, parents can prompt her to stand up straight and put her shoulders back. "It is still important to do this, even though it may seem like it is falling on deaf ears," Dr. Fortuna says.


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