Help Your Little Ones Have a Healthy Holiday
By Brandi Goodman
The health of the youngest ones in your family is especially important. Throughout the holiday season, it's easy for families to forgo health and let unhealthy habits form. Numerous ways exist to help your little ones have a healthy holiday so you can maintain their well-being.
Encourage Exercise
It's important to always encourage exercise, no matter what is going on around you. Whether it's the holiday season and your days are filled with tasks or not, your children need exercise for a strong mind and body. Put on some silly songs and let them dance. Create a game that promotes physical activity. Bundle everyone up and take a walk around your neighborhood to look at Christmas lights. There's plenty of options.
Get Them Health-Inspired Gifts
Christmas involves presents in many households. Rather than get your kiddos the latest trendy toy, choose some health-inspired gifts instead. Exercise-related items work well, such as a mini-trampoline or a tot-sized basketball hoop. Make sure you're including nutritious options in their stockings as well, and not just candy. Granola bars and fruit make good choices.
Keep Healthy Snacks in the House
The holiday season is chock-full of sweet treats and fattening choices. Do your best to keep a selection of healthy snacks in the house that your kids can grab when they're hungry. Keep the unhealthy stuff out of sight so they aren't tempted to choose the bad stuff over the good.
Prevent Germs Where Possible
Germs like to fester and grow, contaminating everyone who comes in contact with them. It's especially easy for kids to exchange germs throughout the holidays when the weather is colder and families and friends tend to be in close proximity. Do what you can to prevent germs where possible. Wipe down counters, doorknobs, and commonly touched surfaces. Ensure everyone uses their own cups and utensils.
Make Sure They're Sleeping
It can be difficult to stay asleep when you're excited for all the fun occurrences of the holidays. Your kids will still need their recommended hours of sleep each night, however, so do what you can to maintain a bedtime routine so they can get the rest they require. It's important to get eight hours of sleep per night for a well-rested mind and body.
Healthy holidays are possible for your little ones. Just do what you can to keep them in good spirits. With healthy snacks, health-inspired gifts, sleep, plenty of exercise done in a fun way, and less germs to worry about, your kids are sure to have a healthy holiday season and have habits that can continue throughout their lifetime.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Rock Hill, S.C.