Tips for healthy backs

Posture expert Brita Forsstrom is an Alexander Technique teacher. these are her dos and don'ts for safeguarding children's backs:

• DO allow him to move about as much as possible in a safe environment and explore his own body. Climbing, rolling about and exercising is how he learns and develops.
• DO let him develop at his own pace and don't force him to try new activities that are beyond him. For example, trying to make him pedal on a trike before he's ready will encourage him to start rounding his back so he can reach the pedals - not a habit you want to encourage.
• DON'T drag on his arms when you're walking along with him - this can mis-train the muscles and encourage him to start hunching his shouldersup towards his ears. Slow your pace so you're not pulling him.
• DON'T set a bad example - if you tend to hunch or slouch, do your best to correct this otherwise he may mirror your posture. Setting a good example is one of the most precious gifts you can give him.
  

Brita Forsstrom is an Alexander technique teacher. For more information, visit www.stat.org.uk. 

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