Isn't the point of having a backpack so that it evenly distributes the weight across the shoulders and back? You don't want to give your kid back or shoulder problems because they want what's 'in style'. The cross body bags don't seem to offer the same protection.

As they carry more and more books that get heavier and heavier, I'd go for the backpack.

Take your kid to test messenger bags. Bring notebooks, books, and other school supplies to the store. FIll up a messenger bag and have her walk around the store for a good period of time. Explain that money does not grow on trees and she will need to choose one bag for the year.

Then let her decide if the messenger bag is really comfortable.

Anonymous wrote:my 5th grade DD wants messenger bag

My third grade daughter has a messenger bag. It's light and very cute.

Sadly, I see too many kids with backpacks with wheels b/c they have so many g-damn books to carry home.

We got our child (same age) a Timbuk2 bag from the website for around $50.

Great bag, nice inside features and a place for everything.

He loves it and it looks like new after a year of use. It won't be larger enough for the load of books he'll face in middle school, but it's fine for now.

Anonymous wrote:My rising fifth grader just told me this week, while walking past a display of bags in Target, "a lot of kids got messenger bags last year but I don't want one this year because they always complained about them."

But I'd probably let her learn that the hard way.

We would have had one of the kids complaining about those messenger bags. They do not hold as much as a regular backpack (like those binder things that look like Trapper Keepers on steroids) and they are tough to carry when they are full and heavy. My daughter is getting a backpack for this year!

My rising fifth grader just told me this week, while walking past a display of bags in Target, "a lot of kids got messenger bags last year but I don't want one this year because they always complained about them."

But I'd probably let her learn that the hard way.

How far does she walk to school? Messenger bags aren't great for body mechanics and could cause back/shoulder/neck problems if she was carrying a heavy bag a ways each day.

If it is just for around school then no problem

When my kid was in middle school, he was adamant about a messenger bag. After a week of carrying around those books, he dug out his old backpack from the previous year. But for elem school, it is probably fine.

my 5th grade DD wants messenger bag

As long as s/he has something to carry stuff in, don't push the issue. Maybe a messenger bag would work.

Yes, they start to have their own opinions. This one's easy. Don't force the psck.

are they out of style? She wants a bag that goes on the shoulder.