Written By
Dr Joseph Sunny Kunnacherry
Director
As children grow and spend more time engaged in writing, whether at school or at home, maintaining proper sitting posture becomes essential. Poor posture not only affects their handwriting but also impacts their overall physical health. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of proper ergonomics and provide simple tips to make writing a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Why Does Sitting Posture Matter?
Children often adopt awkward positions while writing, such as slouching, leaning too far forward, or twisting their bodies. Over time, these habits can lead to:
Constant movements or shifting positions.
Strain on the neck, back, and shoulders
Poor handwriting due to lack of stability
Fatigue and discomfort
Long-term musculoskeletal issues
By teaching children the importance of proper posture early on, we can help them develop healthy habits that support better focus and overall well-being.
Here’s how occupational therapy addresses this issue:
1. Assessment of Posture and Environment
Postural alignment: The therapist evaluates how the child sits and identifies postural deviations such as slouching, leaning, or improper leg positioning.
Furniture and ergonomics: They assess the size and height of the desk, chair, and foot support to ensure they are appropriate for the child’s size and needs.
2. Strengthening Core and Postural Muscles
Weak core muscles can lead to difficulty maintaining an upright position. Therapists often include exercises to strengthen:
Core muscles (abdominals and back).
Shoulder girdle stability for arm control while writing.
3. Developing Body Awareness (Proprioception)
Poor sitting posture can sometimes result from a lack of awareness about how the body is positioned in space.
4. Training in Proper Posture
Teaching the “90-90-90 Rule” where:
Hips, knees, and ankles are bent at 90 degrees.
The feet are flat on the floor or supported by a footrest.
The back is upright and supported by the chair.
5. Fine Motor and Hand Strengthening
Therapists work on improving fine motor control, as poor hand strength can lead to compensatory postures like hunching over or leaning.
The therapist’s approach is individualized, ensuring the child’s unique needs and challenges are addressed effectively.
Here are some Occupational therapy tips to help improve sitting posture in children during writing activities:
1. Check Ergonomics
Ensure the child’s seating and writing setup follow proper ergonomic principles:
Feet flat on the floor or supported on a footrest.
Knees at a 90-degree angle.
Hips are positioned back against the chair, with the lower back supported.
Table height at elbow level to prevent hunching or arm strain.
Paper position: Tilt the paper slightly to match the child’s dominant hand for a natural arm posture. Paper tilted to the up to the right (if right handed) or up to the (if left handed). Paper stabilisation with non-dominant hand.
2. Use Visual and Physical Cues
Use a mirror: Let the child observe their posture in a mirror to self-correct.
Provide verbal reminders: Encourage phrases like “sit up tall” or “feet flat on the floor.”
Postural aids:
A slant board can help with proper wrist alignment and upright sitting.
A visual chart showing correct posture can act as a reminder.
3. Strengthen Core Muscles
Strong core muscles are essential for maintaining an upright posture. Incorporate activities like:
Wheelbarrow walking or crawling games.
Sitting on a therapy ball or stability cushion to activate core muscles during activities.
4. Engage in Proprioceptive Activities
Activities that enhance body awareness can help children feel how they are positioned:
Weighted lap pads or blankets for stability and feedback.
Pushing/pulling activities like moving heavy books or playing tug-of-war.
Climbing or hanging on playground equipment to improve posture strength.
5. Introduce Writing Tools and Supports
Use pencil grips: They help reduce tension in the hand, preventing slouching from hand fatigue.
Paper guides: Provide visual lines or raised borders to guide writing posture and prevent leaning.
6. Encourage Frequent Breaks
Sitting for too long can lead to fatigue and poor posture.
Encourage:
Take short breaks every 20 minutes to stand, stretch, and reset your posture.
Simple stretches like touching toes, shoulder rolls, or reaching overhead.
7. Provide Adaptive Seating if Needed
Some children benefit from specialized seating aids:
Adjustable chairs to match the child’s height and leg length.
Wobble cushions or therapy balls to promote active sitting and balance.
8. Parental and Teacher Collaboration
Provide education to parents and teachers on reinforcing good posture at home and in school.
Suggesting environmental modifications, such as consistent seating adjustments.
Conclusion
Proper sitting posture while writing is vital for a child’s physical health and academic success. By creating a supportive environment, using ergonomic tools, and encouraging healthy habits, parents and teachers can ensure that children develop a comfortable and efficient approach to writing.
