How to Make a Teen Quit Slouching

Most teenagers are still getting used to their growing bodies. As a result, some of them tend to slouch. It can be difficult to convey the importance of proper posture to a teen, so parents may find themselves frustrated with their teens' constant slouching. Use visual aids and medical facts to teach your teenager why slouching is detrimental to her health, and help her maintain good posture with sufficient exercise, proper shoes and an ergonomic chair.

Instructions

• 1

  Explain the negative consequences of poor posture. Provide your teen with pictures of what slouching can do to the curvature of her spine as she ages -- appealing to her vanity, if necessary. Also explain the pain and discomfort that can result if her posture does not improve. If you do notice your teen slouching throughout the day, gently remind her to correct her posture without shaming or berating her.

• 2

  Buy an ergonomic chair for her desk. Teens most often slouch while sitting, which is particularly problematic if your teen spends hours at a time doing homework or working on a computer. When sitting, her back should be flat against the back of the chair and her feet should be flat on the floor. If needed, adjust the chair or place a pillow behind her back for support. Discourage her from leaning forward or hunching her shoulders while writing or typing.

• 3

  Encourage your teen to be active and participate in sports or a regular exercise routine. If she is active and her body is strong, she will be less likely to slouch. Physical activity also involves less sitting time, giving her less opportunity to slouch. If your teenager is resistant to the idea of physical activity, enroll her in a program that you think she will like such as gymnastics, dancing, swimming or a team sport.

• 4

  Buy your teenager shoes that encourage proper posture. Shoes with sufficient support are more likely to promote good posture than flip-flops or high heels. Allow your teen to go barefoot at home. If your teen spends time walking naturally with bare feet, she will be less likely to slouch when standing or walking, even when she is wearing shoes.

• 5

  Set a good example. Regularly check your own posture, and correct it if you find yourself slouching. Follow the same standards that you set for your teen, and you both will stand and sit straighter -- and feel stronger.