Parents and other caregivers may help their children establish healthy lifestyle patterns that will benefit them for years to come. We understand that you may not have all the answers as a parent or caregiver. You, like many parents, may find it difficult to establish and maintain healthy habits of your own. One approach to win this dual battle is to adopt healthy living choices with your partner.
Children may benefit from eating healthy foods and drinks, engaging in regular physical exercise, getting enough sleep, and other things that help them to;
- grow
- learn
- strengthen your bones and muscles
- keep a healthy body weight
- decrease the risk of diabetes and heart disease in the future
- they are pleased with themselves
Healthy habbits
How can I assist my kid in developing healthy habits?
You, as a parent or caregiver, have a significant influence on your children’s eating and drinking habits. When you make it a practice to eat foods and drinks that are low in added sugars, saturated fat, and salt and rich in fiber, your children may develop a taste for them as well. Don’t get angry if a kid you’re caring for doesn’t enjoy a new meal straight immediately. Children often need to view a new meal many times before trying it.
Be a role model for others. You, as a parent or caregiver, have an impact on your child’s physical activity. Any activity does not need you to be an expert. Simply get up and move to demonstrate to youngsters how much fun being active can be. They may come to like it as well. Instead of watching TV, playing video games, or browsing the internet, you may set a positive example by going for a walk or riding a bike. Look for a fun activity that you can do together.
Let’s talk about being healthy. Take the time to speak to your children about how a particular diet or physical activity may benefit them as you learn more about how to enhance your health. Bring your children along on a stroll, for example, and let them choose the route. Discuss how walking improves your mood and is a pleasant way to spend time with your partner.
Make learning opportunities out of your children’s food and beverage choices. Speak out if you observe someone making harmful decisions. “You can have a bit of that, but not too much,” or “You can have a little of that, but not too much,” direct youngsters to healthier choices. Discuss why a snack that is too salty or sugared is not the greatest option. Make sure they don’t feel bad about their food or beverage selections. You may also commend your children for selecting a healthy food such as fruit.
Use remarks like this to your advantage.
“Wonderful decision!”
“With that snack, you’re giving your body just what it needs!”
“Those appeal to me as well.”
To keep your kid engaged in physical exercise, use cheerful words like these.
“You run so quickly that I can’t keep up with you!”
“You’re creating a heart that’s powerful and healthy!”
“Let’s walk for another ten minutes to build our stamina.”
Ensure that your kid receives adequate rest. A good night’s sleep may help your child’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Sleep deprivation has been linked to a variety of health problems, including obesity. Find out how many hours of sleep doctors suggest for your kid, based on his or her age.
Believe in the ability to change. Recognize that eating well and getting more exercise are the cornerstones of good health. Collaborate to develop healthy behaviors.
Promote excellent health to others who aren’t in your immediate family. Other adults may also have an impact on your child’s life. You may share healthy habit suggestions with them. Many parents and caregivers, for example, work outside the house and need childcare assistance. Your child’s health behaviors may be influenced by family members, day care providers, babysitters, or pals. Speak with them to ensure that they provide nutritious meals, snacks, and beverages. Check to see whether caregivers are giving enough active playtime and minimizing idle time spent watching TV, playing video games, or using other gadgets.
If your kid is in school, you may assist in the promotion of good behaviors in a variety of ways.
- Learn more about the breakfast and lunch services at the school.
- Find out about the physical education program at your school and search for ways to stay active throughout the school day.
Take into account other factors. Your children’s peers and the media, just as they do for you, may influence healthy choices.
Some advertisements on television, the internet, and other media attempt to encourage youngsters to eat high-fat meals and sugary beverages. You may assist your children become more conscious of these pressures by teaching them about them. While you’re watching TV, surfing the internet, or going to the movies with your kids, talk to them about their options. Discuss how renowned sportsmen, kid celebrities, cartoon and action figures, and made-up images are used by media outlets and influencers to promote goods or communicate ideals. Use programs and advertisements to start conversations about your beliefs. These discussions may assist your kid in making good decisions outside of the family.
click on link below to read
How to help your child develop healthy lifestyle patterns: Tips on parenthood 2
