3 Ways to Encourage Healthy Children
By Genevieve Cunningham
We all love our children. They are these tiny little people with giant emotions and grand ideas. They see the world in a way that we only wish we could. There’s not much we wouldn’t do for our children, and keeping them healthy is at the top of our list. But, how do we raise healthy children? What’s the secret ingredient? While there is no perfect answer, there are some things that you can do to give it your best shot. Take a look at these tips for raising as healthy children as you can.
Get Them Active
Kids really need activity. If your kids are the sedentary kind, try to get them involved in something locally. There are a ton of sports to choose from. There are karate classes or tae kwon do. There are endless activities and projects and groups to join. Just find something they are interested in, and go with it! This will not only help your children now, but it might help them build healthier habits for the future.
Let Them Play
You know what kids are really supposed to do? Play! Allow them some free time to just play. Kids gain emotional and physical health through playing. They learn to navigate life and deal with other people. They develop emotional resilience. Your kid doesn’t have to be stimulated or scheduled for every moment of the day. Let them play to their little heart’s content, and they’ll likely be healthier in the long run.
Monitor Their Food
Guess what. As parents, you actually buy the food. If your kids are eating junk all day, it’s only because that’s what is in the house. If you want to teach them healthy eating habits, it definitely starts with you. Model healthy eating habits by buying better foods, and then follow through by eating those foods. It’s OK to not allow dessert occasionally. Your kids won’t hate you, and they won’t be scarred for life. Do what you can to give them healthy eating habits, and you’ll be setting them up for a lifetime of better health.
Keeping your kids healthy shouldn’t be a major stress or something impossible. It just takes some dedication to the cause. Be a good example. Let your kids be kids. Set healthy limits. With this combination, you’ll help your kids be healthy right now, and you’ll also help them build healthy habits for the future.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lakewood, Colo.