Children sprawled on the floor, or hunched over a low table doing their schoolwork. Cue the fidgeting and complaints of backaches (sound familiar, #makchicmumsquad?). Creating a conducive study space is essential for children to focus and concentrate, but how do we set this up properly?
makchic recently had the chance to test out Ergoworks‘ excellent Impact Ergo-Growing Study Desk and Chair Set and to speak to Mr Wong Yi Kai, President of the Association of Chiropractic Malaysia and Board of Directors of the World Federation of Chiropractic, to find out how parents can set up an ergonomic (and effective) learning environment for their kids.
Here are some top tips for parents:
1. Where Should the Study Space Be Located?
Any available space with reduced distractions is fine. More independent or older students may welcome a more private location. Younger kids may thrive in a communal area like the kitchen or home office, where they can easily seek support.
Natural light, providing a full spectrum of illumination, reduces eye strain and improves focus. When unavailable, combine ambient and task lighting to avoid glare and shadows. Proper lighting prevents children from leaning forward or squinting, ensuring good posture.
“Maintaining good posture can improve respiratory function, enhance circulation, and reduce the likelihood of developing musculoskeletal issues like back pain or postural imbalances later in life,” explains Wong.
Ergonomic Tip #1: To maintain good posture, the light source should be to the side or slightly behind the child, avoiding direct overhead light or glare from screens.
2. What Furniture Is Needed?
The most basic requirements are a surface or desk, and a chair. To promote a child’s good posture, you could invest in an ergonomic height-adjustable desk to suit your growing kid. Ergoworks’ Impact Ergo-Growing Study Desk can be easily raised or lowered through a Gas Assist System. My daughter was delighted that she could adjust the height of the desk by herself, by winding it up or down.
The seat of the versatile Impact Ergo-Growing Chair with lumbar support could also be moved forward or backward to ideally support her back or allow her to use the foot rest. I also loved how the chair had handy measurements so I could adjust both the backrest and the seat pan to her height. I found the release lever for the seat to be a little tricky, but their friendly installer helped show me how it worked. Even the armrests could be raised or tucked away.
“An ergonomically correct chair should allow the child’s feet to rest flat on the floor with thighs parallel to the ground, and the desk height should enable their elbows to form a 90-degree angle when typing or writing,” added Wong.
Use monitor risers or stands to position screens or books at eye level to reduce the tendency to slouch or lean forward. An inclined (at 15-30 degrees) desk also allows for a more natural head and neck position, promoting better posture and comfort during prolonged reading periods.
Ergonomic Tip #2: Chairs with lumbar support or the addition of a small pillow can help maintain the natural curve of the spine and encourage good posture.
3. How Should the Space Be Organised?
Plan for storage for reference materials, stationery, and art supplies. Visual aids such as timetables, calendars, and to-do lists will help keep kids (and parents!) on track. Little ones could benefit from photographs of how their packed bag and organised desk should look like. Use sticky markers on analog clocks, so they know until when they are to read or study. Keep a trash can and paper recycling bin nearby, so they can keep their desk tidy. If music helps them concentrate, you could also include a speaker.
Do get your child invested in designing and decorating, so they will be encouraged to use the workspace. My 9-year-old had a blast choosing the colour of her desk and chair cover (I loved the removable covers for easy cleaning!), promptly decorating the space to her taste. You could also display any recent awards or notable artwork nearby, in recognition of their efforts. Keep toys in a separate play area and unneeded devices out of reach, and let your kid know that this is a space for working.
Ergonomic Tip #3: Store frequently used materials where they can be reached to prevent excessive bending or twisting.
4. How To Encourage Healthy Study Habits?
Set a reminder for regular movement and breaks to limit prolonged sitting periods when your child is studying. Encourage the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) to safeguard their eyesight health. Use options like standing desks or balance ball chairs in moderation to allow for movement, which can improve focus. A healthy diet, screen time limits, adequate sleep, and daily physical fitness exercises will also go a long way to set them up for wholesome lifelong habits.
Wong counselled to focus on “exercises that strengthen core muscles critical for supporting the spine and overall musculoskeletal health. Activities like swimming, yoga, or age-appropriate strength training can help develop these muscles.”
Ergonomic Tip #4: Teach your kids, or better yet, model regular physical fitness activities. It will help them detox digitally and build healthy body awareness.
5. What Else Can I Do to Set My Kid Up for Schooling Success?
Incorporate routines into your child’s day, so the study space can be effectively utilised. Make it a daily habit for your child to go through their bag and homework book to check what needs to be prepared and packed for the next school day. On a weekly basis, this could include a purge of trash, straightening up their desk and school bag, sorting any loose items into relevant folders, and planning for the week ahead. Try to dedicate the same time daily or weekly to build these executive functioning practices.
Ergonomic Tip #5: Backpacks should not exceed 10-15% of the child’s body weight, with the heavier items closest to their back. Opt for a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back. Both straps should be used, and the bag should fit snugly against the child’s back, just above the waist. Educate children to lift and carry heavy items bending their knees instead of backs to help prevent strain.
6. Have Fun and Revise the Space Regularly
Enjoy setting up this dedicated space for study and focus with your child, #makchicmumsquad! Remember to check regularly to ensure that the learning environment remains comfortable, and well-aligned as they grow.
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By LuSean Seah
makchic received a complimentary set of the Ergoworks Impact Ergo-Growing Study Desk and Chair. The writer’s opinions, however, are solely her own. As always, the products we choose to highlight on our website are consciously recommended for their quality, performance, and unique benefits to our readership.
The Ergoworks Impact Ergo-Growing Study Desk and Chair Set is suitable for 4-year-olds to 18-year-olds. The set retails at RM8,399, but is currently available at the promotional price of RM3,399. The price includes delivery in the Klang Valley, assembly, and warranties of up to 3 years. Find more about the Impact Ergo-Growing Study Desk and Chair here or visit Ergoworks’ website to learn more about their current promotion and award-winning furniture.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalised guidance regarding any health or medical condition. If parents are concerned about their child’s posture or believe it may be affecting their concentration, it’s advisable to consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as paediatricians, chiropractors, or physiotherapists.
