OT Newsletter

Utilize different compartments and pockets to distribute weight

Heavier items closer to the back center of the backpack

Lighter items in the front of the backpack

Lighten the load so it is no more than 10% of your child’s weight; heavy backpacks can cause falls and spinal damage

Teach your child to pick up the backpack by bending and lifting in the knees instead of the waist to prevent back injury

Always use both shoulder straps to prevent injury

The backpack should rest snugly against the back.

To ensure a proper fit, make sure the backpack does not extend past your child’s shoulders, or below the top of the hip bones.

Watch for warning signs that the backpack is too heavy, including:

• Difficulty when putting on or taking off the backpack

• Pain when wearing the backpack

• Tingling or numbness in the arms or legs

• Red strap marks on the shoulders

• Any change in side-to-side posture while wearing the backpack

• Adjust the shoulder and waist straps so that the pack fits comfortably.

A great way to get those little hands ready for their upcoming years of writing is some coloring! Coloring helps to strengthen and build the muscles in the hand. Check out this cool coloring page!

Coloring with broken crayons naturally encourages your child to “pinch” the crayon between their thumb and index finger, moving them into a more mature and skilled grasp pattern. The reason is simple — it’s hard to use a cylindrical or digital pronate grasp on a short crayon.

By 5 years of age:

• Places jacket or coat on designated hook or place

• Undresses daily at designated times without reminders

By 5 1/2 years of age:

• Dresses independently when asked

• Tucks in shirt

• Can hook and zip up a zipper while wearing clothes