Are you modeling 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. Unplug the TV, put away the video games, and get moving. Discover a sport or active game you and your child both think is fun, and then make a point of doing this together often. Some easy options are: play volley ball, shoot baskets, or go for a bike ride.
Model healthy eating habits. 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. Have your child rate the healthfulness of meals so they start to understand what constitutes healthy and unhealthy.
Teach your child the value of sleep. Not getting enough sleep impacts us more than most people know, resulting in cranky, mentally dull, hungry people who can't function at full capacity. 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.
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. Show your child how to relieve stress through a walk or 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. Help your child make good friends by inviting kids over, hosting activities, and making it easy for your child to spend time with good kids.
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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