theshyone
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,423 
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Post by theshyone on Aug 9, 2014 8:08:27 GMT
Which would be better for a tween boy of slight stature entering middle school.
pros or cons
he will be public busing it.
second what type of lunch bag? Sack?
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Post by chances on Aug 9, 2014 11:20:32 GMT
For me, a backpack was much better for my back. Books are very heavy and putting that weight only on one shoulder caused me pain and posture problems. If possible, spend a little more to get wide padded straps and cushion on the bag. It's so worth it to avoid back strain. Also, backpacks tend to hold more. The year I tried a messenger bag, I had trouble fitting more than one large textbook, let alone a lunch and various other school items.
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cab919
Full Member
Posts: 161
Location: OHIO
Jun 28, 2014 20:15:34 GMT
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Post by cab919 on Aug 9, 2014 11:26:02 GMT
My dd used a messenger bag for 4th and 5th grade. For 4th grade she went to the neighborhood school so she walked. For 5th grade last year she changed schools and was bussed. She also started playing the violin. This year she asked if she could get a new backpack even though her messenger bag was still in good shape. She said the messenger bag got in her way going down the bus aisle especially on days that she also had to carry her violin or any other item.
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Madi & Me
Full Member
Posts: 248
Jun 25, 2014 22:20:27 GMT
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Post by Madi & Me on Aug 9, 2014 12:04:48 GMT
I remember using a messenger bag in middle school and the one-shoulder and crossbody carrying styles really hurt my shoulders. We carried a lot of our textbooks home at the time. If that's still the case, I vote for a backpack for better weight distribution.
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Post by turangaleela on Aug 9, 2014 12:08:19 GMT
My middle son is small and really likes backpacks with the sternum strap.
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Post by anxiousmom on Aug 9, 2014 12:18:06 GMT
We tried a messenger style bag one year and found it to not work as well as a backpack. As others have said, it was difficult to always get everything you need in it. He didn't even make it to Christmas before we were back to using a backpack.
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Post by dulcemama on Aug 9, 2014 13:35:26 GMT
My DD prefers a messenger bag. She tried a backpack one year but then went back to the MB. You do have to be careful that you get one that is a good size because there are some tiny ones out there. The one shoulder thing doesn't bother her. Most kids around here wear their backpacks on just one shoulder too.
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Post by cecelia on Aug 9, 2014 13:58:44 GMT
DD just got her first messenger bag for this school year. It's a Jansport Elefunk that seems very roomy and was only $20 after a million discounts. Her old Jansport backpack is in excellent condition from the previous 3 school years, but she wanted something different.
Last year, the 3rd grade girls decided carrying backpacks on BOTH shoulders was not cool. Seriously? How does that happen so soon? If the messenger bag doesn't work out, she'll go back to her backpack and I'll keep the messenger bag for work because the pattern is so stinking cute!
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Post by lesleyanne on Aug 9, 2014 17:32:53 GMT
DD tried a messenger bag in grade 5. She thought it looked cool. It didn't work out well. It was awkward and she's messy, so a poor combination.
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Post by ihaveonly1l on Aug 9, 2014 17:34:52 GMT
My boys have always preferred backpacks.
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Post by sbartist on Aug 9, 2014 18:01:51 GMT
Not trying to be OT, but backpacks: One thing I have learned having to ride the bus on occasion, if I am lucky enough to get a seat, is that backpacks worn on the back or any bag for that matter slung on the shoulder, HITS seated people in the head. I take my bag off and carry it in front of me down the bus aisle, I wish other people would be as considerate.
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Post by leannec on Aug 9, 2014 18:24:00 GMT
Everyone in my dd's schools carry backpacks ... they hold way more ...
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theshyone
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,423
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Post by theshyone on Aug 9, 2014 18:27:42 GMT
Does it make a difference if it's male or female?
Thanks
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Post by magenta on Aug 9, 2014 18:31:53 GMT
I vote for backpack. All my kids have done both and always go back to the backpack. I even use a small backpack as my purse. I just bought a cross body mini bag the other day and even though I don't have as much stuff in it as the backpack it hurts my shoulder after a while.
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ddly
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,019
Jul 10, 2014 19:36:28 GMT
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Post by ddly on Aug 9, 2014 21:07:25 GMT
My kids always got backpacks. My ds thinks it's easier to carry stuff in.
Lisa D.
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Post by Windy on Aug 9, 2014 21:21:10 GMT
A backpack will be much easier on his back if he'll wear it on both shoulders. Definitely look for the kind with padded straps.
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