Backpacks That Roll

The summer is winding down and there is an excitement in the air because school is getting ready to start. Families are looking for school supplies for each child in preparation for the big day. In addition to clothes, school supplies are a very important purchase. Here are some ideas for your child's new backpack. You want what is best for your child!

Backpacks come in all colors, shapes and sizes. There are color choices, themes to choose from and details to check out. Let's look at some of the concepts that a parent should consider for a backpack purchase.

1.) How large is the child? Smaller children need smaller backpacks. A first grader needs a smaller bag than a sixth grader. In addition, a first grader cannot carry the same amount of weight as an older and heavier child.

2.) What color would work best? When our children were growing up, color was very important. By the end of the school year, they grew very tired of bright colored bags. As our children aged, the more standard solid colors seemed to work best. Smaller children may like a certain bold color because it stands out and they are less likely to misplace or lose their backpack.

3.) Will a themed backpack be a good choice? Some kids are enamored with Cinderella, but want something else halfway through the year. Let's face it, kids are fickle and have seasons of likes and dislikes. What theme will last for the entire year?

4.) How much can the backpack hold? Are there special compartments for pens and pencils, for money, for water? What special needs does the child have in that grade, at that school and personally?

A huge concern for parents should be the weight of the books and supplies that their child carry. Books can be extremely heavy and difficult to carry on a young back. Parents today have a choice to buy a backpack that rolls.

I remember as an adult in graduate school how heavy my books were as I walked "the hill" to my classroom. I had to visit a chiropractor during graduate school. The wear and tear on my back from carrying books in my arms for long distances left me with sciatic pain that got worse as the year progressed. Eventually a lower disc slipped out of place and left me unable to carry anything.

I prefer a rolling backpack for growing children. It is easier and safer for their young backs. A drawback to a rolling backpack is that the backpack can be overlooked and trip someone. Teaching a child to be responsible in where they leave their backpack is important when a rolling backpack is used.

It has been a number of years since I took a child to purchase a backpack for school. It is such an important part of a child's school year and the search can be so much fun! Choose carefully and make a memory with your child as you search for their next backpack!