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Posture Perfect

What Is Your Child's Posture
Telling You?

By Gina Roberts-Grey

Subtle reminders to sit straight at the dinner table or stand straight on the way out the door to school provide consistent reinforcement for children. "Consulting your pediatrician, orthopedic specialist or chiropractor can offer several tips and strategies to improve your child's posture," Galante says.

Years ago, young debutantes would parade around their homes balancing books on top of their heads in an attempt to improve their posture and poise. While this may seem like a drastic exercise that promotes more silliness than self-improvement, surprisingly there are some significant benefits to this achievement. The natural posture, stance and gait that these young people developed is worthy of serious attention.

In addition to reducing the chances of experiencing head, neck and back pain, improving your child's posture offers numerous benefits. As he grows into a teenager and adult, he will appreciate that his clothes look better on a torso that appears longer and stronger due to healthy posture. A child who stands tall projects the idea that he is proud of himself and confident in his abilities. Good posture can also help your child be at ease when communicating with others or walking into strange surroundings.