As a parent, much time is spent teaching your kids things like say “please and thank you”, how to ride a bike, how to write their name, and more. But there are many other things you are teaching them even if you don’t realize it. A lot of these things have to do with different aspects of health. Your kids watch everything you do like the snacks you buy, what your morning routine is, how you spend time with them, etc. These choices they see you make will impact them and how they live their future lives.
Because your kids are always watching, it is important to make healthy decisions so that they can learn the importance of health at a young age. In certain aspects, you are in charge of your kid’s health for the first part of their life. If you practice healthy habits daily and they see that, they will be more likely to make healthy choices when they are on their own.
There are many things you can do to help your kids, and your family as a whole, live a healthy life.
Eat Fruits and Vegetables
Children are going to have a hard time growing to like fruits and vegetables if they don’t have them very often. Start at a young age and introduce your kids to things like bananas, apples, green
beans, carrots, and more! As they try these things out at babies, they will be more likely to like them when they get older. Incorporate fruits and vegetables in as many meals or snacks as you can! Some ideas to do this are:
- Oatmeal with berries, bananas, or apples for breakfast
- Celery with peanut butter and raisins for a snack
- Sliced fruit and veggies with ranch dip for lunch
- Cooked vegetables for dinner
Drink Water
It is important for people of all ages to stay hydrated, especially children. Water will help to hydrate their organs, help with digestion, and prevent cavities. Drinking water will help them to have more energy and be happy. Some ways to help your kid drink water include:
- Give them water instead of milk and juice throughout the day
- Get them a fun water bottle or cup that is just for them to drink water out of
Limit Screen Time
In today’s world, it is very convenient to turn to technology when you need to entertain your kids. However, this isn’t good for their bodies or their brains. Children need to be active which can help prevent lifestyle diseases later on. Kids should spend more time doing things that challenge their brains or are good for their health. Some ways to help limit screen time could be:
- No watching television or using electronics before breakfast or the chores are done
- Only allow 1 hour or less of television or electronics a day
- No electronics before bed
- Spend at least 1 hour outside
- If you need to use technology, turn on a kids yoga or dance video for them to follow along to
These are some simple ways to start developing healthy habits for your kids. Kids really pay attention to what you do and notice your choices. If your kids see you doing exercises or going for a walk frequently they will want to join you. When you give up bad habits like drinking soda daily, eating processed foods, and spending time on your phone, you will not only change your life but your children’s lives as well.
Find a way that you can help your children become healthier!
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