How to: Arrange an Ergonomic Work Area for Kids

Take a look at your desktop computer setup. It's probably adult-sized, right? Right now, ours has a chair that does not adjust. And my fourth grader, who has keyboarding homework every night, stares up at the screen.

Just like adults, kids need a healthy, ergonomic work setup at the computer, where they are spending more and more of their time. When my youngest writes a school project, she composes and edits on the computer. No longhand writing for her.

Since the homework load is only going to pick up, I figure it's time to see how to improve our setup to work for everyone. I found some good tips on the Cornell University Ergonomics Web and HealthyComputing.com for Kids. Check them out for the full child-sized ergonomic picture, but here are a few tips to get going:

• Start by observing how your child sits and works at the computer. Is his posture strained or relaxed? Make sure he does not have to tilt his neck upward or forward too much. The monitor should be directly in front of your child, not off to the side, requiring him to twist his body to read the screen.

• Which brings us to the chair. HealthyComputer.com for Kids says most children can sit in an adult-sized chair for about an hour without becoming uncomfortable. But if they are at the computer for longer periods, the chair should be adjustable. If it's not, use a pillow, but make sure there's a footrest so shorter legs don't dangle.

• The keyboard should not be up so high that your child has to reach up to type. An adjustable keyboard tray is ideal.

• Make sure they take breaks. Too much of anything is not good, and sitting and typing at a computer screen isn't either. Encourage them to mix up math and reading homework with computer work. Also, set a time limit on fun computer time after homework is completed.