Chances are, you have a kid, who has a back pack, which ends up stuffed full of books, folders, papers, lunches, snacks and more. Clearly, the backpack load can get pretty heavy, but the folks at Woman’s Day magazine (September 1, 2009) can help you lighten things up to minimize the aches and pains your little ones might experience.

• Before you buy (or after you realize the pack you purchased isn’t the right one), shop for wide shoulder straps, a padded back, a waist strap and side pockets. And use both shoulder straps and the waist strap.
• Find a size that fits snugly on your child’s back and at least two inches above the waist.
• Put heavier items in the bottom and closer to the center of the back.
• Make sure the bag doesn’t weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of your child’s body weight.
• Teach kids to squat and use their legs to pick up the pack.
• Encourage kiddos to use their lockers and not carry around books all day.
• If your child complains of back, neck or shoulder pain, or tingling or numbness in the arms, rethink the backpack, and pay a visit to the doc, too.

Photo: M.Lubinski, Flickr