Encouraging children to develop lifelong healthy habits.
This should be one of the most important goals of any parent.
While it can often be confusing to sort through all of the expert recommendations.
Here are four tried and healthy habits that every child should develop:
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Intentional Eating
This is a broad category, but the main takeaways are easy to discern. A variety of healthy eating habits are developed at the family dinner table. Thus, it is imperative to make the time to enjoy a family meal together every day. This practice gives kids time to reconnect with their parents while also encouraging healthy eating habits. It is also recommended that kids eat a substantial breakfast to start each day and be purposeful about choosing water over soda and sugary juices.
Good Oral Hygiene
Proper oral hygiene should be taught at an early age. Even babies without teeth need to have their gums cleaned on a daily basis. Most experts recommend seeing a specially-trained pediatric dentist twice per year for checkups and cleanings. Although parents often overlook the importance of flossing, pediatric dentists stress the importance of developing this habit at a young age. Brushing at least twice per day is also essential for healthy teeth and gums.
Read Every Day
Developing strong reading skills at an early age is a crucial building block needed for future academic success. Savvy parents understand the importance of reading to their children starting in infancy. Encouraging children to turn off the television, computer, and handheld electronic devices will only increase their capacity to learn and grow throughout life. Stepping away from the screen and picking up a book is also a useful tool in developing social skills and nurturing relationships with others.
Move Your Body
Regular and proper physical activity is essential to good health, both physically and mentally. It is recommended that parents encourage their kids to try out a variety of sports and activities and provide the opportunities for them to pursue these passions. Even if a child does not find a game that they love, there is a myriad of other activities that will promote healthy lifelong exercise habits.
It’s also a great idea to make sure your child is taking care of their body from a young age. Routinely taking children to doctors, dentists, and even specialists like massage therapists, psychologists, and chiropractors is a great way for children to get used to taking care of themselves. Children tend to mimic their parents, so if you’re not taking care of your body, they will generally follow suit. In that same way, if you show that you take care of yourself by following doctor’s instructions and making sure you’re taking care of things like your heart, lungs, spine, and your mind, then your children will know that it’s an important thing to do.
Modeling these behaviors for children is the best way for parents to support their kids in their pursuit of healthy habits. By giving children a solid foundation, parents can help to ensure the development of a healthy future.
If you’d like to know more about good health practices and habits, make sure to check out some of our other articles!
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