IF you take a moment to observe your child’s posture throughout the day you will rarely see the proper position. If they spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen you will see them slumping. During dinner time you will see them leaning over. During homework time, chances are they are leaning back in their chair.
When we think about good, posture we might be telling ourselves, that’s for gymnasts and people with bad backs. The truth of the matter is posture is essential for positive learning. There are a host of benefits to your child having an excellent posture and a strong core.
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Not only does proper posture enhance your breathing, but it also optimizes it – resulting in a better-sounding voice.
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Keeps bones and joints in the correct alignment so that muscles are being used properly.
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Helps decrease the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces.
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Decreases the stress on the ligaments holding the joints of the spine together.
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Prevents the spine from becoming fixed in abnormal positions.
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Prevents fatigue because muscles are being used more efficiently, allowing the body to use less energy.
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Prevents backache and muscular pain.
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Contributes to a good appearance.
Let’s focus on the very first benefit. Proper posture leads to better breathing and a better sounding voice. Have you ever heard your voice in a voice mail or video recording and said, I don’t sound like that? Well, to the listener, that is your voice. In essence, the voice you hear resonates through your cranium and creates a nice reverb. This is called bone-conduction and it helps with voice quality. Whereas, the voice you hear on recordings does not have the warm sound. It is called air conduction and it leaves your voice on stage without any natural effects. It’s exposed.
Improving your child’s posture will improve their voice quality and this has long lasting effects in learning and life. The student with a dynamic voice and strong intonation will be heard by the teacher and peers. It is a display of confidence. As you know, confidence in this modern world is a core necessity for success in life. If you are interested in helping your child achieve better posture, follow these guidelines.
When sitting, your child’s back should be straight with shoulders back. Buttocks should be all the way back in the chair. This sitting position should allow your child’s spine to sit in a natural S position. The top of the back and shoulders will curve forward while the lower back forms a dip.
It won’t take much to get started, but you want to get started as soon as possible. You can try yoga, singing exercise, or a host of youtube videos on the subject. By the way, good posture helps adults too.
