| Book bags have certainly come a long way since | | | | the latest ranges of bags are very easy on the eye, |
| older generations had to lug unsightly and | | | | designed with a fussy teenager in mind! |
| uncomfortable satchels around. You might be | | | | 2) Durability: The more you spend on a rolling book |
| forgiven for thinking that the children of today are a | | | | bag, the longer you can expect it to last. And nothing |
| bit spoilt with their ergonomic rolling bags, but this | | | | is more disheartening than spending a small fortune |
| isn't really the case. | | | | on a bag only to have it break the next day. When |
| With the increasing workload that children are | | | | checking a bag for quality, you need to scrutinize the |
| experiencing, it's no wonder that the incidence of | | | | wheels and handles, as these are often the first thing |
| back problems and stress are increasing too. Heavier | | | | to go. Also, check that the bag can handle the typical |
| workloads, insane after school activity schedules and | | | | load that your child needs to carry. |
| the constant pressure to perform all lead to a | | | | 3) Comfort: There is no replacement for time spent |
| stressed out child. There is no doubt about it, the | | | | trying out different rolling book bags. The comfort |
| school children of today are subject to more | | | | has a lot to do with the right sizing, but also has to |
| pressure than earlier generations. | | | | do with the design of the bag itself. If it has straps |
| So what can you do to make life easier for your | | | | to be worn as a backpack, are they comfortable and |
| child? You can start by selecting the right school bag | | | | supportive? Do the makers many any claims of |
| for them. Why add backache, exhaustion and | | | | ergonomic designs? |
| strained muscles to their already long list of stresses | | | | 4) The right size: The handle needs to lock at a |
| and problems? | | | | comfortable height for your child, which means no |
| The American Occupational Therapy Association | | | | stooping or bending to roll their book bags. |
| recommends that children not carry any school bags | | | | 5) A guarantee: There's nothing worse than spending |
| that weight more than 15 percent of their | | | | a fair amount of money on a bag, only to realize that |
| bodyweight. Anything more and they are placing a | | | | the wonderful bag has not survived its first day out |
| dangerous load on their backs. Rolling book bags are | | | | in the frontlines. Insist on a guarantee and return the |
| the safest choice for your child, and most of the | | | | bag if it breaks! |
| models available today come with ergonomic designs | | | | Use these tips to ensure that you select only the |
| to ensure maximum comfort. | | | | best bag for your child. School is difficult enough |
| How to select the best rolling book bag: | | | | without adding a host of physical complaints! With the |
| 1) Looks are everything: To your child anyway! Keep | | | | right rolling book bag, your child will be able to carry |
| in mind that school is a minefield of image conscious | | | | everything they need comfortably. So that they can |
| teenagers looking to impress their friends. Some of | | | | worry about getting good grades! |