Raising kids has many challenges and rewards, and some things are more important than others, like their health and well-being. Keep Your kids healthy and happy as they grow into adulthood with these six recommendations.
Limit Screen Time
Tablets, smart phones, computers and TVs can be fun and educational, but too much screen time can leave your kids sitting for too long throughout the day. Don’t allow your children to be looking at screens all day. It’s healthy to engage in other hands-on activities, and avoiding too much screen time has also been proven to better eyesight as well.
Get Them Involved in Physical Activities
Your kids may not be interested in aerobics class or yoga, but that does not mean they shouldn’t be active on a regular basis. Sign them up for soccer, little league or dance class. Find something active that they enjoy, and keep it up. Stay active together as family as well and do things like take walks after dinner, go swimming or play outdoor games.
Get Them Socializing
Children without regular socialization may have social issues later in life. Make sure that your kids are socializing with other kids their age on a regular basis. Get them involved in sports, classes and volunteer activities to help in this area.
Feed Them the Right Foods
Teaching your children the basics of nutrition at a young age is the way to go. Don’t let them eat whatever they want. This is true even if they whine and cry. Sweets and treats are okay sometimes, but your kids will thank you for your nutritional diligence later. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and lots of water.
Don’t Reward Kids With Food
Another nutrition rule is not to reward your children with food. With childhood and subsequent adulthood obesity on the rise, psychologists are honing in on the way parents reward their children as possible culprits. When children learn to equate food with happiness and pride, they will develop the wrong relationship with what they eat. Food should be eaten for sustenance first and foremost.
Get Them Braces at the First Sign of Necessity
You should already be visiting your child’s dentist on a regular basis for basic upkeep and cleanings. As their adult teeth start to fill in, check with your dentist about the possibility that your kids might need braces. Knowing as soon as possible will allow you to plan ahead and avoid painful and expensive dental work down the road, say the experts at Mar Orthodontics.
If your children learn all of these healthy habits when they’re young, they will be much more likely to use them as they grow into adulthood. Take the time to follow these bits of advice, and enjoy a healthy and happy family.
