InvitingSmiles Blog

From Fairy Wings to Backpacks…

Many of our children have returned to school and are hard at work carrying those big books in their nice new backpacks.

Do your children complain about back pain? What about neck and shoulder pain? Do they demonstrate bad posture?

Check out how heavy their backpack is and how they are wearing the backpack.

Suggested backpack load limit: No more than 15% of the child’s body weight.

Here are some ideas that may help:

• Backpacks were designed with two straps for a reason. Use both straps! Do not try to carry the load on one shoulder. Padded and wide straps are best. A waist strap offers even more support.

• Adjust the straps to fit appropriately on the child. Do not let the backpack hang low on the back.

• Help your children plan their day so they can leave a book, or two, in a locker (or cubicle), and switch off when needed.

• When going to or coming home from school a child may need to carry a book or two in his arms to lessen the weight of the backpack.

Each year children visit physicians with backpack related injuries. These injuries can be a host to lifelong problems if not treated. Keep an eye and ear open to complaints and bad posture from your children.