Why is your child’s posture important when writing?
Good posture allows your child’s body to remain in a functional upright position, with adequate alignment of their spine. Good posture is really important for activities at the desk such as handwriting.
What is posture:
Posture is our body’s position when sitting on the floor, on a chair, standing or kneeling.
Why is posture important?
Good posture allows your child’s body to remain in a functional upright position, with adequate alignment of their spine. It also ensures that muscles and ligaments of the body are free from strain and tension, likely to result in pain and fatigue. Although most children’s handwriting difficulties can be associated with poor fine motor skills or other academic difficulties, poor posture is a common concern which is not often considered.
Common reasons for poor posture:
- Reduced strength in core and postural muscles
- Chairs and desks which are not of suitable size
- Lack of education of correct posture
- Poor desk set up e.g. chair and paper positioning
Signs your child might have poor posture and postural control:
- Slouching in their chair
- Frequently moving and shifting position in their chair
- Sitting up on their knees
- Standing up at the table
- Using their non-dominant hand to prop themselves on their chair or prop their head
- W-sitting when on the floor
- Excessive fidgeting or laying on the floor
- Leaning against furniture
- Poor coordination in gross motor activities
- Fatigue
Ways to improve your child’s core and postural strength and endurance:
- Regular physical activity e.g. climbing at the park, riding a bike, swimming, gymnastics, yoga, karate, dancing etc.
- Exercises with a large exercise ball e.g. sitting on the ball, doing sit ups over the ball, cannon balls (laying on their back, propped on elbows, and feet in the air, an adult can throw the ball and the child kicks it back), rolling over the ball onto arms and back etc.
- Animal walks e.g. crabs, bunny hops, frogs, bears etc.
- Pretend bicycle riding laying on their back.
- Breathing exercises which activate the deep muscles of the diaphragm.
- Provide a visual reminder for their desk with a photo of suitable desk posture.
For more ideas, feel free to call us on 9555 9776 to speak with one of our therapists.