How To Improve Posture In Preteens

Many teenage girls spend most of their days slouching behind desks, slumped on the couch, or hunched over a computer. In fact, the average American teen spends more than an hour on the internet and more than two hours watching TV every day, according to a 2010 study by the Television Bureau of Advertising. Over time, these bad habits add up and can lead to serious health consequences. Teaching your teenage girl good posture will not only boost her confidence, it will also prevent muscle strain, decrease wearing on joints and lower stress on ligaments that hold her spine together.

Step 1

Model good posture. Although it may not always seem like it, your teenager looks to you for many of her decisions about what to eat, how to speak and how to stand. If you make it a point not to slouch, your teen will be more likely to stand tall.

Step 2

Make the connection between confidence and posture. Next time you are in a public place with your teen, point out the different types of posture people have as they walk by. Notice that those who stand straight and look forward seem more attractive, confident and healthy.

Step 3

Make the health connection. Let your teen know that good posture is not just about looking good. It is also important for sustained health. She might be interested to know that if they have bad posture over time, the shape of her spine can change shape and become fixed in an abnormal position.

Step 4

Encourage your teen to participate in activities that emphasize good posture. Yoga is known for helping practitioners improve their posture in daily life. Dance, weight lifting and running can also help your teen understand the importance of good posture, technique and alignment for injury prevention and performance.

Step 5

Try visualization techniques with your teen for good posture. According to Eric Franklin, author of Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery, visualization can go a long way in correcting bad habits. Franklin suggests standing straight and imagining a string attached to the top of the head that lifts the spine upwards and straight. At the same time, he recommends relaxing your shoulders downwards. Eventually this position will begin to feel natural.

Tips and Warnings

Set your teen up for success by encouraging them to spend less time in front of screens and more time being active. Make sure they aren't carrying too much weight around in their backpack and consider purchasing a new pack with a hip belt that will prevent strain by taking weight off their shoulders.