Lifestyle

How To Help Your Child Avoid Back Pain With A Backpack

Published

4 years ago

March 4, 2022

Most children use backpacks for school. However, they can cause back pain and problems if certain guidelines aren’t followed. Remember the tips mentioned here so your child is comfortable throughout the day!

Look For Features That Reduce Back Pain

There aren’t a lot of studies that agree on the features that backpacks should have to reduce back pain. But parents can look for the following backpack features to ensure that the product won’t hurt the child’s back:

The material used for the backpack should be canvas, which is the lightest material.
The back should be well padded so it sits comfortably on the child’s back.
There should be several small compartments inside so everything stays organized.
New backpacks often have wheels and a retractable handle so the backpack can be wheeled around.
If your child has a laptop, consider using a separate bag so they don’t need to have too much weight on their back.

Teach Child How To Wear And Load

Buying a backpack with the proper features will usually help the child avoid problems. But wearing and loading the backpack correctly ensures they will stay comfortable. Some tips include:

The child should use both straps and wear it on their back, not slung on one shoulder. Putting too much weight on a single shoulder can lead to discomfort and pain over time.
Put the heaviest items in the bottom of the backpack so the weight is distributed evenly.
Make sure the straps are snug on the child’s back so the load doesn’t move around as they walk.
The child should lift the pack with their legs. Bending over to pick it up can injure the back.

When Is The Backpack Too Heavy?

Even if you choose an ideal backpack for your child, there comes a time when the bag may be too heavy. Some doctors recommend limiting the weight of the pack to 10% of their body weight.

If the child weighs 100 pounds, they shouldn’t carry more than 10 pounds. Of course, these rules are often ignored by parents and students. But students who carry the heaviest backpacks are often the ones who complain of back pain.

Here’s a helpful graphic that shows what a heavy backpack can do to a growing child’s back and neck.

The good news is that even if the backpack is too heavy, it probably won’t cause long-term damage. But it’s uncomfortable, so that’s a good enough reason to keep the weight and size down.

If it seems your child carries a lot of weight every day in the bag, talk to their teacher about how to reduce the load. Perhaps you can keep an extra copy of heavy textbooks at home, etc.

Be Proactive About Backpack and Back Pain

If you remember the tips highlighted above, your child should have a comfortable backpack void of discomfort.

However, it’s important to check in with your child often to find out if they are dealing with any back pain from their backpack over the weeks and months.

Also, remember to help the child select the smallest backpack that is large enough to fit everything they need each day, but not so big it hurts the back.

You also should talk to teachers to find strategies so the child doesn’t need to carry a lot of heavy books every day. Perhaps having a set of books in class and heavier ones at home might work.

Some parents scan copies of pages from books and assignments for home use, so not so many need to be carried home every day.

Your child probably needs a backpack for school, but remembering these guidelines will ensure their back doesn’t hurt all day.

Lifestyle

Houseplant Styling Mistakes to Avoid in Home Décor

Published

8 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Michelle Langton

Bringing greenery indoors can instantly elevate a space — adding warmth, texture, and a sense of calm. However, styling houseplants successfully requires more than simply popping a fern in a corner and hoping for the best. From mismatched plant selections to poor placement and neglecting scale, even the most well-intentioned plant lovers can make styling missteps. Before you dive into your next indoor plant arrangement, it’s worth understanding the most common mistakes to avoid.

Whether you’re new to indoor greenery or a seasoned plant parent, brands like Hello Botanical make it easy to find the perfect plants and gifts that complement your interior style — but knowing how to display them properly will make all the difference.

Overcrowding Your Space with Too Many Plants
While it’s tempting to fill every available surface with greenery, too many plants can make your space feel cluttered and overwhelming. Each plant deserves breathing room to grow and be appreciated. Instead of bunching them together, try grouping a few in varying heights or textures for balance. A single large plant in a corner can make a stronger design statement than ten small ones scattered everywhere.

Ignoring Light Conditions
Aesthetics shouldn’t be your only consideration when placing plants. Many indoor plant styling mistakes stem from ignoring light needs. Some species, like fiddle leaf figs and succulents, crave bright indirect light, while others, such as snake plants or peace lilies, thrive in low-light corners. Assess the natural light in each room before choosing plants, and remember that not every green beauty will thrive on your coffee table or bathroom shelf.

Choosing the Wrong Pot or Planter
A pot isn’t just a decorative accessory — it affects your plant’s health and your home’s design balance. A mismatched or undersized pot can look awkward, while one without drainage can cause root rot. Select planters that complement your home’s aesthetic and suit each plant’s needs. Neutral ceramics, woven baskets, or textured terracotta pots can enhance the overall décor while allowing your greenery to shine.

Neglecting Scale and Proportion
One of the easiest ways to make a room look unbalanced is by ignoring scale. A tiny plant on a large table can feel lost, while an oversized monstera can overwhelm a small living room. Consider the proportions of your furniture and space before selecting plants. Taller plants like palms or rubber trees add height and drama, while trailing species such as pothos or string of pearls can soften shelves and hanging corners beautifully.

Forgetting to Mix Textures and Colours
Just as you’d layer textures and tones in your furnishings, apply the same principle to your plant styling. Combining different leaf shapes, shades of green, and plant structures creates visual interest. Pair glossy leaves with matte ones, upright plants with cascading varieties, and bold tropicals with delicate ferns. A well-curated mix feels intentional rather than chaotic.

Over-Decorating Around Your Plants
Plants are statement-makers in their own right. Surrounding them with too many decorative objects — candles, vases, or trinkets — can detract from their natural beauty. Let the greenery breathe and become a focal point. A simple setup often feels more elegant and modern than a crowded display.

Forgetting Functionality in Key Spaces
While plants bring undeniable style, practicality matters too. Avoid placing trailing vines where they’ll get tangled in workspace cords or near entryways where they can be knocked over. Similarly, keep moisture-loving plants away from electronics and ensure any planters with drainage are placed on trays to protect your floors and furniture.

Ignoring Consistency Across Your Home
Houseplants look their best when they contribute to a cohesive theme. Instead of choosing random species for each room, think about your home’s overall design. Are you going for a minimalist, Scandinavian aesthetic or something more lush and tropical? Repeating a few plant types or pot styles throughout creates unity and flow.

Overlooking Plant Care as Part of the Design
No matter how beautifully you style your plants, unhealthy or neglected greenery can spoil the look. Regular pruning, wiping leaves, and rotating pots to ensure even growth are key parts of maintaining your interior aesthetic. Healthy, thriving plants add vibrancy and life that no artificial décor can replicate.

Forgetting That Less Can Be More
Finally, remember that plants should enhance your décor, not dominate it. A few strategically placed, well-cared-for plants can transform a home far more effectively than a jungle of mismatched greenery. Focus on quality over quantity, and choose each plant intentionally to fit your style, lighting, and lifestyle.

When styled thoughtfully, houseplants can turn a space into a peaceful, inviting sanctuary

Avoiding these common mistakes helps you highlight their beauty while keeping your interiors cohesive and clutter-free. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or curating a lush indoor garden, start small, observe what works, and grow your collection with care.