We’re talking about backpacks here. The kids are back to school, and little bodies are laden down with lots of books and “essentials”. Just how much is too much when it comes to the weight of your child’s backpack? Thanks to a friend for sending me this chart:
As a general rule, a backpack should not exceed 10% of your child’s weight (15% for an adult). However, the maximum weight guidelines are as follows:
5 pound backpack if you weigh 60 pounds
10 pound backpack if you weigh 61-75 pounds
15 pound backpack for a 100 pound person
So lighten up their loads when possible, use rolly bags if allowed and no lockers are available, and save the posture and strain on your child’s frame!
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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I’m sure the one shoulder carrying doesn’t help either. There were times when I was in school, that the one shoulder was cool, and then there were times for both shoulders. It’s funny how many “being cool” rules there are for the kids.
No wheels allowed at our school. The first day the pack wasn’t too bad-we were able to get locker loaded the week before, and she only carries two class books at a time -then a trip to the locker in between–great chart EZ reminder!
Pamela R recently posted..I’ve reached 500 followers!!!!AMAZON GC GIVEAWAY TO CELEBRATE!!!
I wish our schools would allow the wheeled backpacks. My kids are always loaded down with more than they should have in their packs and trying to convince them to carry some of that stuff in their arms to even it out gets me nowhere!
Theresa recently posted..Guest Post- Western Wear
This definitely reminds me of when I was in middle and high school. My little ones are still little, and they do not have those large loads just yet – but I had completely forgetten! (Until this reminder). Thanks so much for sharing, because I surely remember walking around crouched over with my enormous backpack on a 5’2″ frame LOL! I will keep this in mind about the weight/height.
rhonda recently posted..Treasures – Breast Cancer Awareness
Mine are still in pre-school so we haven’t hit this stage yet, but from the looks of the homework my friends children have, it would be hard not to overload!
Mommys Juice recently posted..Watching Other People Watch
I can tell you that I definitely had too much in my backpack.. what else was I supposed to do? Hopefully it will get better as people become more aware.
Gina recently posted..Happy Food Day! Celebrate with Oxfam
I can remember walking completely hunched over during middle school a hundred years ago when we walked uphill to school (both ways). Seriously though, this is a real concern with growing bodies. Thanks for the reminder!
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