One of the first principles I learned as a student of Physical Therapy was that body mechanics is the keystone to movement. This means the postures we assume or how we hold our bodies when we sit, stand, or walk affects the way we move. Posture isn’t just critical to an athlete’s or dancer’s performance. It is vital for everyone in their daily lives, especially children. Studies have shown that better posture improves coordination, efficiency, endurance, mood, concentration, and confidence. It supports better breathing, vision, digestion, and overall enhanced health. In other words, if we assume poor posture it will have negative effects on our health, all our body systems, mood, concentration, coordination, and confidence.
Now that your kids are well adjusted to their school year routine, it would be a great time to help them with their physical study habits. Yes, it is time to speak with your children about their posture. As school and life stressors increase, their posture worsens, they fatigue quicker, and it is more difficult for them to concentrate. We all know what it is like when we are under stress; the shoulders creep into the ears, we hunch over our desks, lean into our elbows and arms, cross our legs, etc. This can all be reversed with good posture. Good posture will contribute to your child’s academic success.
Here are 5 ways to help your kids maximize their efficiency when it comes to homework and studying:
- Do homework at the desk.
Kids find creative positioning in which to do their homework and study. They sprawl out on the bed or floor. They sit on their beds, stand by the window, and lay on the floor. They should take some time to do their homework sitting at a desk. A more formal set up will help improve your kids’ posture, productivity, and concentration.
- Keep feet flat on the floor.
Upright posture allows for best oxygenation and concentration. While doing homework and studying in sitting at the desk, kids should take some time to put their feet flat on the floor. We commonly sit up on our toes, feet and legs wrapped around the base of the chair, legs cross or actually sit on a leg. This leads to bad posture and in the future pain in the back, hip, knees, or calves and ankles. Having their whole feet in contact with the floor will facilitate more upright posture. If their feet don’t reach the floor, provide them with a stool or a box.
- Invest in a laptop easel.
For those kids who are attending virtual classes or tutoring using a laptop, tablet or cell phone, use an adjustable laptop easel. Adjust the laptop easel so the device they are using will be at eye level. It will help them achieve more upright posture and keep them more focused.
- Create cooler environments.
Temperature of the room is critical for your child’s performance. Most people including children are more productive and more alert when the room is slightly cooler rather than warmer.
- Hydrate
People tend to breathe more through their mouths especially when they are not concentrating on their posture. In doing so, they lose moisture and dehydrate, which leads to fatigue. Kids should drink regularly to help them concentrate on their homework and studying. Encourage more upright posture to foster mouth closure to maintain hydration.
Take the time to incorporate these tips into your daily schedule. Role modeling for your children is one of the more effective ways of teaching better posture habits. Explain to them why better posture is beneficial to them. With understanding, your children will improve the way they move their bodies. Most importantly, praise your children when they demonstrate better posture and when they use these tips. Positive feedback will encourage children to improve their posture and succeed.
GAMECHANGER Tutoring Connection is excited to highlight Efrat Cohen, who has over ten years of experience working with patients of various ages and diagnoses in New York premier hospitals, including NYU Langone Hospital for Joint Diseases and Hospital for Special Surgery. Efrat created and runs a successful corporate physical therapy wellness program for employees at their work station. She also offers school and youth programs, and parent workshops to guide children, parents, and educators with strategies to improve posture health and posture with academic performance and performance with after work and school activities, and use of technology for the whole family.
