Are you setting the example of healthy habits for your children? Hopefully this list of five healthy habits will inspire you to be the best parent you can be.
Show your child that exercise is important. Unplug the TV, put away the video games, and get moving. Find an activity you and your child both enjoy, and then schedule regular time together. Some easy options are: play volley ball, shoot baskets, or go for a bike ride.
Teach your child to eat healthfully. This will feel counter culture, since most Americans send their child lunches with Doritos and Oreos and think it's acceptable to buy chicken nuggets and fries for dinner. Serve healthy food at home and pack your child's lunch, sending fruit and vegetables instead of chips and Cheetohs. Give each meal a grade, explaining what are the healthiest and least healthy parts of the meal so your child will be equipped to make good choices later.
Teach your child to get enough sleep. Lack of sleep contributes to obesity and can make it difficult for your child to handle his or her emotions well. Prioritize sleep and tuck kids in bed at least thirty minutes before you think they need to be asleep.
Teach methods of dealing with stress. Show them how to cool down before speaking (count to ten, write down thoughts, talk to a neutral party), how to apologize, and how to express needs and expectations calmly. Teach them the importance of relieving stress through hobbies, friends, exercise, and meditation.
Discuss the importance of good friend choices. If your child is making poor choices, help them understand why these kids might not be so good for them, and introduce them to kids who are better for them. Support good friendships by inviting the child over and doing the legwork necessary to encourage time spent together.
Parenting isn’t easy, but it is rewarding. If you take these five habits seriously, you'll set your child up to live healthfully.
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