Heather from The Children’s Workshop discusses the following healthy habits for a lifetime full of success and health.
- Be positive: Attitude is everything! Raise your child in a positive home environment – keep things fun and positive, celebrate successes, and acknowledge the things your child CAN do! (Remember, kids don’t like hearing about the things they can’t do.) This can help your child develop high self esteem and positive self-image.
- Be a good role model: As parents, we all know we’re not perfect. However, it is important to remember that our children pay attention to everything that we do, and they will always look up to us. Are you the best role model you can possibly be for your child?
- Keep the family active: Plan times during the week that everyone can participate in for physical activity – keep it light, fun, and playful.
- Limit screen time: One of the best things we can do is limit screen time for our kids in our ever growing technological world. Video games, TV, and computer time lead children toward a sedentary lifestyle and excessive snacking, which can increase risks for obesity and other diseases. Set clear, consistent screen time limits for the whole family.
- Make dinnertime a family tradition: When everyone sits down together to eat, the family as a whole is more likely to eat healthy foods. Involve your children in picking out healthy options at the grocery store and the preparation of family meals.
- Follow daily routines: Eating, sleep, and healthy hygiene habits are essential to our overall health. Furthermore, consistent routines and schedules each day help reinforce the importance of these habits.
- Reading is fun: Show your children the joys of books, magazines, etc. Read with your child, read in front of your child, make reading a daily habit and routine.
Most importantly…
Our children grow up to be successful and fulfill the dreams we wish for them only by the lessons which we teach them as children. Fundamental skills, habits, and routines are important life lessons and give our children a strong foundation for a sustaining life.
