Healthy Habits Help Your Child Now and in the Future

Article by Sara Bailey at TheWidow.net.

How you raise your children will impact them the rest of their lives. By establishing healthy habits now, you encourage your kids to grow up to be healthy adults. Here are some ways to ensure you are laying the foundation for your children’s current and future wellness. 

Good habits, now and later. The habits that develop during childhood set the stage for adult lifestyle choices. Being a good role model to your children, having a positive attitude toward healthful choices, and engaging in an overall healthy lifestyle now will help your children maintain good health throughout their lives.

Leading by Example

An important childhood learning pattern is following the examples of our parents. If you've put the pursuit of goals on hold, remember that our kids are learning from what we do more than what we say. It may be time to "double down" and model the type of behavior we want to see in our kids, such as re-committing to a goal that has slipped away from us. So when it comes to that fitness regimen we dropped long ago, that pursuit of an online business degree that got shelved - maybe now is the time to re-commit!

Good Nutrition

A healthy diet is one of the cornerstones for good health. The first thing you should do to ensure your child is getting proper nutrition is to cut junk foods. Junk foods earned their moniker, as they tend to be overloaded with fats, salts, and sugars, and devoid of significant nutritional value. Junk foods are shown to be not only tempting to children, but also addictive. Junk foods are linked to a variety of health and behavioral issues in children, such as obesity, chronic illnesses, poor self-esteem, increased risk for depression and substance abuse, and reduced performance in academic and extracurricular activities. 

Your family’s diet should include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein selections. In order to keep everyone on track, one suggestion is to set meal times and stick to them. Snacks are okay, but offer healthy selections such as grapes, carrot sticks, and whole grain crackers. Meals should be colorful to provide optimum vitamins and minerals; for instance, offer orange carrots and green beans. If your kids are picky eaters or suspicious of new foods, take that into account when planning meals. Introduce unfamiliar foods to your children in small portions and in a meal comprised primarily of familiar favorites. In addition to making sure they’re eating healthy, you can also strengthen their immune systems by giving them a multivitamin for kids. These vitamins can help supply the calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin D your kids need.

Time Outdoors

Are your children spending enough time outside? We often take it for granted that our kids are playing in a healthful way, but according to studies cited by the New York Post, children aren’t getting sufficient time in nature. Time in the great outdoors is good for children and adults, improving both mental and physical well-being. Those who spend time in fresh air and sunshine reduce stress levels and risk for depression. What’s more, some experts believe insufficient time outside can lead to childhood obesity and attention deficit disorders. 

One of the benefits of being outside is an increased level of activity. The New York Times notes that children over the age of 6 need at least an hour of exercise every day. Vigorous play can meet the bulk of those needs, but with kids spending less time outside now than previous generations, they are also seeing less physical activity. 

There are many ways to increase your children’s time outdoors and activity levels. Your first step can be limiting the use of electronic devices. Instead, encourage your children to play outside by providing a safe environment in your own backyard. Install a swing set appropriate for your child’s abilities and age. And think of opportunities to encourage your kids with outdoor family outings. It can be as simple as going for a family walk through the neighborhood, or you can put up a tent in your backyard, have a cookout, and catch fireflies. You’ll be making memories and modeling great behavior at the same time! 

Proper Foundation

How you raise your children affects their health, both now and throughout their lives. Ensure your kids get proper nutrition and spend time outdoors. They can enjoy improved mental and physical wellness thanks to your good example!