Whether it's at school or playing video games at home, it's not a secret that the children of today lead a far more sedentary lifestyle than the children of the past. And while sitting down is comfortable, our bodies weren't designed to operate this way. Fortunately, things are starting to change.
And while progress could be faster, any step forward is one in the right direction. So, let's take a look at the importance of a quality kid's desk, what the typical children's desk used to look like, and how we can make even better desks in the future for the next generations.
Why It's Important to Choose the Right Desk for Your Kids
Our bodies aren't designed to sit down. When we sit down for extended periods of time, it puts unnecessary strain and pressure on our backs, which can lead to back pain and even more complex issues. This is especially true for children, who are still growing and developing their bodies.
On top of that, the wrong desk could affect the child's capabilities and attention during class. When using an uncomfortable desk, the children cannot focus on whatever their teacher is saying or on the activity at hand. So, the right desk doesn't just help your child's body, but it also helps their mind.
It's best for your child's desk not to be too low or too high. They should be in a natural position when writing, drawing, or just sitting at the desk. Granted, finding a desk that suits your child's needs can be quite tricky, which is why we recommend that you invest in a height adjustable desk. That way, your child can adjust the height of the desk as per their needs.
What Did Kids Desks Look Like in the Past?
If you go back in time to the first children's schools and look at the desks that were used, you'd understand why many people grew up with back and mobility problems. On top of that, the desks were made of very hard and heavy materials, making them hard to move around.
Since the furniture was also expensive, it was common for children to sit on very hard and uncomfortable wooden stools and benches that weren't optimized for their height. In certain cultures, students spend most of their time sitting on the floor, which helps them stabilise their core and promote mobility.
That said, no matter how or where you sit, it's always important to promote movement. This is why old-school stagnant children's desks were not friendly to their body. In the next section, we'll see we've made efforts to improve children's desks over time.
What Do Kids Desks Look Like Now?
While modern kid's desks are a bit better than old-school ones, they haven't advanced as much as we would have liked them to. And while the modern desk features many openings and compartments for school supplies, most of them are still a standard height and don't promote mobility.
This is a major problem, especially for our children's long-term health and body functionality. This is why it's very important for parents to invest in high-quality desks that promote mobility, especially with children doing more and more schoolwork at home.
How We Can Improve Kids Desks to Provide a Better Life for Our Children
So, what should a modern kid's desk look like?
For one, it shouldn't be stagnant. There are many manufacturers nowadays making adjustable kid's desks. You can adjust the height of the desks with a simple press of a button, allowing you to have the optimal desk level for your height. Additionally, you can raise these desks up enough to serve as a standing desk, which is great for kids. In fact, just a few hours a day in a standing desk can do wonders for a child's muscular and skeletal development.
That said, before getting a standing or adjustable desk for your child, make sure to speak to them about the best ways to use the desk. It's important that they understand how to operate the desk to ensure their safety at all times. Additionally, make sure that you're with your child while they use the desk to prevent accidents.
Conclusion
One of the things parents and schools can do that will greatly benefit their children and students in the future is invest in high-quality and modern desks. It's important that these desks promote movement and mobility. That way, your child doesn't spend too much time sitting down in one position, which has proven to be bad for their overall health in the long run. Luckily, there are many places you can find adjustable kid’s desks in the UK, so it might be time to look for the best one for your child.
