Posted By Eric Beach I have been asked to advise our Speech and Language Therapists over the issue of sitting on child-height chairs when working with younger children. They need to be able to make good eye contact with a child working at a low table and the easiest way to do this is to sit on one of the low child-sized chairs. However, they have been told that they shouldn't do this as it is bad for their backs. What I'm looking for is a solution to this dilemma. Is the issue not so much the height of the chair but the depth of the seat? Would they be better off with a low three-legged stool? Or should they sit on the floor? Or is the issue more likely to be the fact that once they are sat on the chairs they are then leaning forward over the workstation? Anyone come across this problem before and have some good advice, please?

Posted By Chris G I wonder how infant schools address this issue. I found parents evening painful so how do the staff cope day in day out? Chris G

Posted By Jerry Sanderson This is a real issue in Primary schools and as well as potential ergonomic problems there is the issue of childrens chairs collapsing when used by adults. This depends on the size and rating of the chair and its age and condition. We have sent out information to our schools to not use Infant rated chairs for adults either for staff or for parents during parents evenings and school performances. There are alternatives for staff such as adjustable height stools or indeed adult rated and sized lower height chairs.

Posted By Salus Hi Eric can you not wait for the kids to grow up before talking to them, that way the common sensible adults will not have to sit down

Posted By Ron Impey I agree with the earlier advice about raising the child up so that adults can use a chair and table that are ergonomically suitable for themselves. There are many companies which can supply child chairs to achieve that, for example: http://www.thebackshop.c...ducts236-details105.html

Posted By Tabs Ever been to a traditional Japanese restaurant? Many Japanese families still use low furniture and do not suffer postural difficulties. They do not, however use seats made for children. So I agree with the other posts, simply match the furniture to the person and the use. A therapist on a child's chair must look like a giant - not comfortable for a kiddie. I use a Thai Toblerone (can't think of a better name... padded cushion attached to triangular back rest, no legs) very comfortable for us less nimble types.