Create Healthy Habits in Kids
The best way for kids to grow into healthy adults is for them to learn healthy habits early. The problem is, they typically don’t do that naturally. It takes a little grown-up guidance.
The good news? If you do teach your kids to live healthy lives now, they’ll likely live healthier lives in the long run. As Kimberly Leek, a Santee, Calif., pediatrician put it, “With your help, your children will learn to develop healthy habits that last.”
Following are a few tips on how to create healthy habits in your kids that will help them live long, healthy lives.
Get fresh. Shy away from processed foods and put as much fresh produce on the table as possible. A simple tip: If your food isn’t colorful, it probably isn’t as healthy as it could be.
Establish good sleep habits. Set bedtimes for young ones that allow them to get plenty of sleep. For a guide to prescribed sleep times for different ages, click here.
Get active as a family. To get kids moving, move along with them. Play games outside, take up a sport together, make it fun and get everyone involved. Do all of that, and the kids won’t realize they’re doing something that’s good for them.
Screen their screen time. Today’s young “digital natives” grew up with digital devices, and a lot of their schoolwork, social life and more requires screens. As such, you really can’t eliminate devices from their lives. However, you can encourage them to balance screen time with time in the “real world” by nudging them toward more active alternatives and helping them see the fun in screen-free time.
Stay positive. In a lot of ways, good health starts with good mental health. Encourage your kids, dole out more positive reinforcement than negative repercussions and celebrate their successes. Cultivating a positive mindset will strengthen their general well-being.
Talk about it. Make healthy choices a topic of conversation with kids, addressing even touchy subjects like smoking, alcohol use, substance abuse and sexual activity. But be aware: That doesn’t mean you should lecture them on right and wrong. Instead, have open conversations that allow them to ask questions, you to present your perspective and everyone to come to an understanding. Not only will this help kids have reasonable attitudes about healthy choices, but it also will teach them that they can have honest discussions with you … something that just might have the biggest impact of all on their long-term health habits.
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Tags: food, Healthy Choices