How to Guide Your Child To Healthy Decision-Making
How to Guide Your Child To Healthy Decision-Making
As a parent, you don't always have the answers – even though your kids feel like you should. But one thing you can do is help your child make choices and build lifestyle habits that benefit their health well into adulthood. And if you have wanted to become more consistent in your own healthy choices, you and your child can begin practicing good habits together! From modifying your living environment to eating nutritiously and exercising, consider these tips from Blimey Box.Model Your Desired Behavior
First of all, the best way to teach your child how to make good choices is to make them yourself. Try to maintain an overall healthy daily routine. Stick to a balanced, nutritious diet and limit the sweets and other unhealthy treats you consume. Create a fitness routine that works for your lifestyle, and exercise at least four days a week. And make sure you are getting at least seven hours of restful sleep each night; this may require you to change up your bedtime routine, but it will be worth it!
Brighten Your Home
Your living environment will play an essential role in your child's choices. Try to create a positive atmosphere at home as much as you can. Regularly clean your living space and keep clutter to a minimum. Look for attractive, air-purifying plants to add to your interior design and upgrade your lighting to boost your home's appeal and save energy. Also, try to keep your fridge stocked with healthy foods, filtered water, and other nutritious goodies.
Limit Sugar, Salt, and Fat
Children and adults can benefit from eating sugar, salt, and fat in moderation. Look to foods like fruits, vegetables, and unsalted nuts for your daily meals and snacks. Low-fat dairy products, whole grains, lean meats, and eggs are other excellent staples for a balanced diet. When cooking at home, try to use less sugar, salt, and fat in your recipes.
Go for Nutrients
Along with limiting unhealthy ingredients, try to maximize the nutrient-rich foods and drinks in your family's diet. For example, fruit makes for fantastic breakfast food, and eating a leafy green can go a long way in boosting health. If you want to add healthy fats to your child's diet, opt for salmon, tuna, or another type of fish—it doesn't matter if it is frozen, canned, or fresh. Moreover, opt for whole grains in place of bread, rice, or pasta.
Prioritize Exercise
Ideally, preschoolers will get three hours of physical activity daily, while school-aged children get at least one hour. This may not always be possible, but it's a goal worth shooting for.
Along with carrying out your own exercise routine, look for fun activities that you can do with your child, whether it's playing a recreation sport, dancing, or going on hiking trips. Be mindful of screen time, and try to create opportunities for your child to spend plenty of time outdoors.
Develop a Healthy Sleep Routine
Sleep is vital for your child's all-around health. Without sleep, it will harm their development, mood, and academic success. Not to mention, sleep deprivation can lead to many health issues. Find a relaxing activity that your child enjoys doing at night and create a bedtime routine that they can count on.
Don't ever succumb to the feeling that you must be a perfect parent. At the same time, always look for ways to help your child make healthy decisions. The tips above can get you off to a great start, but keep looking for other methods of inspiring your child to develop habits that will benefit them well into adulthood!
We created Blimey Box to help other busy parents give their children a unique and fun learning adventure at home. Do you like treasure hunts and escape rooms? Yeah? Well, your kids do, too. Check out our shop today!
Guest Post by Laura Pearson of edutude.net