Teaching children how to live healthily starts when they are young. Otherwise, time may have to be spent on breaking bad habits or correcting unhealthy learned behaviors. Children learn best when healthy choices are modeled. Parents and caregivers are role models because of their influence and children use these role models to shape how they behave, how they spend their free time, how they relate with others, and how they handle difficult situations. When role models are positive and supportive it helps children develop confidence, self-efficacy, and a lifetime of healthy habits.
Things to consider:
- Offer and serve a variety of foods, with an emphasis on those foods that are higher in nutritional value. Keep fresh fruits and vegetables easily available and accessible. Give your children an opportunity to provide input when grocery shopping.
- Make mealtime a family affair and eat around the table rather than in front of the television. This provides a great opportunity for conversation.
- Be mindful of what your children are drinking. Sports drinks, sweetened sodas or tea, and fruit juice are typically higher in sugar. Instead, stress the benefits of water and milk.
- Promote physical activity and limit their screen time to less than 2 hours each day. This includes television, tablet, video games, and smartphones. Not all children enjoy sports, so it is important to give them opportunities to find the activities that bring them delight.
- Practice oral health habits. This includes brushing twice each day and flossing daily. Drinking water is also good for oral health because of the added fluoride.
- Teach your children the importance of sleep. This is a time for their bodies to rejuvenate and recharge. Children need 9-11 hours of sleep each night. Help your children create a relaxing bedtime routine.
- Be mindful of the dangerous effects of sun exposure. Have your children wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect their skin from the sun.
- Help your child develop strong organizational habits. Keeping a clean room helps develop responsibility and helps bring calmness to their mind.
- Practice positivity. Help your child learn to focus on things that are inside their realm of control. This can help to combat negative feelings and decrease their sense of worry.
It’s not too late to start modeling healthy behaviors. Remember, children are more likely to learn healthy behaviors by seeing them practiced instead of simply being told. Creating and sustaining healthy behaviors and habits will positively impact a child’s overall well-being.