Encourage Healthy Choices With These Tips
By Brandi Goodman
DEC 4
You should always encourage your kids to choose the healthier option. Whether it comes to food, home habits, or otherwise, making healthier decisions is easier for children when they have a good example set for them to follow. With some tips in mind, you can help encourage your kids much more easily.
Ask Your Kids What Physical Activity They'd Like to Do
If you want your kids to get up and be active, you should offer them a choice in activities. Don't simply tell them you're going outside to do this or that. Ask what they would prefer to do, and give it a try with them. This will make them more likely to want to engage in exercise and feel happy doing it.
Exercise in Front of Your Little Ones
A teenager may not care as much if they see you exercising. Let a little one watch you, though, and they're bound to attempt to copy you and get involved. Letting your kids see you exercise from a young age is a good way to get them interested in doing so as well.
Let Your Kids Pick a Meal for the Week
Stick a healthy meal on a child's plate and they may protest. Let your kids pick a healthy meal for the week and they'll be more inclined to eat it. If you let your kids help with meal planning, they'll be happy to be included and will be more likely to eat what's made since they suggested it. If you don't want them to pick just anything, offer them a few choices and let them select which one they want that night or on their particular day.
Let Them Help in the Kitchen
Actually getting to create the meal can be a huge help as well. Let your kiddos help you in the kitchen at least one night per week, and more if possible. They may not be able to chop things yet or stir food over a hot stove, but they can mix ingredients in a bowl, set the table, get things out of the fridge for you, and so on.
Offering encouragement and setting a healthy example are how you'll get your kids to follow healthy habits. They won't often choose healthier things on their own unless they've been inspired to do so thanks to the great example you've been setting.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in St. Petersburg, Fla.