Online school can be hard on everyone, but especially challenging for growing bodies. There are some easy things you can do to make sure that your kids are staying healthy and happy while we all figure out this new normal.
Make sure they have a proper work area set up
As comfy as a beanbag chair, couch, floor, or bed might be, make sure they have a proper workstation with a desk, chair, and good lighting. Doing so can encourage better posture, improved focus, and higher information retention.
When you're setting up their work area make they are set up with these ergonomic essentials
- The top of the computer screen should be at eye-level
- If you’re using a laptop, use a stand to elevate the laptop screen to eye-level and a separate mouse and keyboard
- If you’re using more than one monitor, set yourself up in the center of both monitors. If one is an accessory monitor then consider centering your primary monitor.
- Set the screen at a flat angle to reduce glare
- Set your screen at a distance where you can see the full screen without having to strain your neck or eyes
- Shoulders and arms should be relaxed and not tensed up or out
- Knees and elbows should be bent to 90°
- Torso should be at 90-100° to the thighs
- Feet should be on the ground, if the feet can’t reach then place a step stool/book/box under the feet for support and to keep the knees at 90°
Get up and play!
With recess/gym/PE/etc. gone and most sports on hold, it’s more important than ever to make sure your child is getting the recommended 60 minutes per day of physical activity.
This can be a great opportunity to check in with your child on how they’re adapting to these changes and handling all of these new stresses in their life.
Not only is exercise proven to help with healthy physical growth and development, studies have also shown it’s benefits in focus, cognition, speed, and test performance. Research also shows that learning done with an active component has higher retention than stationary learning. Try talking through any tough subjects with your student on walks, bike rides, or while playing catch. Check out this awesome TedTalk on the use of game-based learning and how it may help your student!
Support their healthy growth
Over 40% of students report experiencing back pain due to prolonged sitting
Scheduling a visit with your local evidence-based chiropractor can help keep your child feeling and moving well throughout these new and challenging times.