We just impulse bought a new table set and opted for two side benches, instead of chairs. The reason being my kitchen is small and the eating area is boxed in by two walls so pulling chairs in and out is difficult. Also, the table cannot go beyond five feet long or we'll hit a wall on one end and a counter on the other, so while eight PLATES could go on a five foot table, eight CHAIRS could not. We always had to try and cram tiny card table chairs inbetween the real chairs and once seated, no one could get out again. They were trapped! So I figured benches would easily accommodate three each on both sides, then we got two chairs for the two ends.

Now for my point...my two DDs will be stuck on the benches from now on. They are backless benches....now normally they don't lean back in their chairs ANYway, (and they are six and ten, so not toddlers who would easily fall backwards) but still...do you think this will be bad for their posture/backs for the next 12+ years or so?? Am I going to 'harm' them by having them sit at backless benches three times a day every single day?

Yes, yes, I know...I worry and analyze things to death...

By Karen~admin on Sunday, December 17, 2006 - 09:19 am:

In a word....No. My boss has had the same table as long as I've known him - 27 years - and he had it for a number of years before I met him. And his 3 kids were raised sitting at that same table. None of them has a posture issue because of it.

We actually considered getting the same type of table/bench set a while back. Apparently they were popular 30+ years ago (obviously - my boss has had his for at least 35 years), and now their popularity is returning.

By Marcia on Sunday, December 17, 2006 - 09:54 am:

Actually, it'll probably be better for them. We all naturally lean into things when we can, and that includes chair backs. We slouch, and rarely sit with a nice, straight back. Sitting on a bench will force them to sit with their feet flat on the floor and their backs straighter. One of the physio exercises we've often done is to have the child sit on a step stool to gain some balance in sitting.

I always wanted one of those tables when I was a kid, and I still love them!

By Tripletmom on Sunday, December 17, 2006 - 09:58 am:

Ditto- Everyone else I'd love to get something like that in the future.

By Dawnk777 on Sunday, December 17, 2006 - 11:11 am:

I don't think sitting at a table, without a back, just to eat dinner, is going to hurt their posture!

By Debbie on Sunday, December 17, 2006 - 11:39 am:

Growing up, we had a table with a bench on one side. My brother and I sat on it all the time. Neither one of us has posture problems.

By Kate on Sunday, December 17, 2006 - 11:47 am:

Thanks everyone! And no one using these benches felt uncomfortable?? It didn't 'hurt'? I just can't imagine eating at a 'picnic table' everyday three times a day...

By Annie2 on Sunday, December 17, 2006 - 04:45 pm:

We have a table in our kitchen with a long bench on one side. We love it. We can tuck it under the table giving us more walk about space in our kitchen.

I don't think it has any affect on the kids' postures. When my kids sit in one of the chairs, they very rarely lean back. They eat and are excused.