Five Healthy Habits You Want Your Kids to Live

Mind is All

Are you setting the example of healthy habits for your children? Use this checklist of five healthy habits as a starting point, and then branch off as you see necessary.

Model exercise so your child learns to be active. Turn off the video games, put away the movies, and get outside. Discover a sport or active game you and your child both think is fun, and then make a point of doing this together often. A few ideas: toss a baseball in the backyard, go for a hike, or walk the dog.

Teach your children the value of eating healthy meals. This can be a challenge since we live in the land of plenty, where treats are served at almost every meal and pop tarts are considered a legitimate breakfast option. 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. Explain how important sleep is, and put kids to bed about 20-30 minutes before they need to be asleep so they have time to decompress.

Model how to handle stressful situations healthfully. 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. Talk through questionable friends, explaining to your child why this person might not be best for them. Support good friendships by inviting the child over and doing the legwork necessary to encourage time spent together.

Parenting can be challenging, but you'll give it your best, and that's all anyone can ask. By modeling these habits, you'll  help them live out healthy habits that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.