As parents, it can be difficult to know how to help our children make healthy choices. The younger generation is inundated with messages of unhealthy body images and idealizations of what it means to look a certain way. It’s important for us as adults to talk about these messages, model healthy habits, and provide resources to help them make informed decisions. Today, we’ll learn some tips and resources that will help young people, including kids, teens, and young adults make healthy choices.
Staying Hydrated
The American Heart Association notes that water is essential for proper hydration and overall health. Encourage your children to drink more water throughout the day by setting an example. Monitor their daily water intake if needed, set attainable goals, and reward them when they reach those goals.
Help Them Find a Fun Activity
Exercise is not limited to traditional physical activities such as running or lifting weights. It can also be discovered through hobbies or activities like taking regular walks together – a Walk Score map can be helpful for finding the best places nearby to walk. Encouraging children to find activities they enjoy can benefit them physically and emotionally.
Taste-tasting With Your Children
It can be hard for children to find the motivation to try new foods or incorporate healthier items into their diets. Ask them which healthy foods they would like to try and then go shopping together at the grocery store or farmers market so that you can buy those items together. You can also create fun challenges such as a taste test where they have an opportunity to sample different types of fruits or vegetables in order to discover which ones they like best.
Model Healthy Care
Modeling healthy behaviors to your children is crucial in fostering their overall well-being. This includes attending routine wellness exams, which emphasize the importance of preventive healthcare. If financial constraints are a concern, remember that there are affordable insurance options available. Even for those who are self-employed, various plans cater to different needs and budgets. This way, you can prioritize health without compromising your financial stability.
Search Online For Special Family Activities
Families can still have fun and bond during social distancing by participating in a variety of virtual activities together. From virtual art classes to educational virtual museum tours, there is something for every family to enjoy. Video chat and video calls make it easy to watch movie nights together and stay connected with distant family members.
Power of Representation
Body positivity is an essential discussion to have with children when promoting healthy choices. The media often displays unhealthy body types, which, as the Mayo Clinic points out, may affect how children perceive themselves. Celebrate individuality, encourage physical activity, and discuss positive body image within your home to promote body positivity.
Healthy Snacks
Introducing more nutritious foods into mealtimes is a great way to ensure that your family is getting the required nutrients. Including fruits and vegetables in your recipes, such as smoothies, can be a fun and easy way to achieve this. Using whole wheat flour instead of white flour in baking muffins can also boost the fiber content and create a fun activity for the whole family.
Decluttering and Cleaning
Decluttering their space may seem daunting at first but it’s worth it in the end. Removing broken items or unused items that no longer bring them joy helps create an environment that promotes mental well-being – plus it gives you more space for other activities. This is especially true if living in tight quarters with limited storage space. As your children age, involve them in cleaning activities; you can even make a game of it. Be sure to follow up decluttering with regular vacuuming to keep the space clean and healthy.
Helping your children make healthy choices isn’t always easy – but there are tools out there that can help guide you through this process. Reaching out for advice from healthcare professionals is always recommended, but there are also resources available online. Model healthy care, encourage physical activity, and maintain a clean home environment. Use these tips to help your children expand their palates and make more healthy choices.
