Exclusive Article By: Donna Jo at EMRIndustry
Introduction
As a parent, you are responsible for what your kid does and how they develop. This means that if you want them to live healthy lives, you have to show them how it’s done. Therefore, if you previously didn’t mind eating without washing your hands, you have to start doing so when your kid is around. You can wash your hands together as you explain to your child about the importance of washing hands.
- Start with First Meal of the Day
When you wake up, make sure that everyone makes their bed and brushes their teeth. You and your partner should lead by example. Then, assemble at the breakfast table for the first meal of the day. Include some fruits, toast, eggs, milk, and cereals. Do this every day, and your child will learn the importance of a healthy breakfast. Let your children know that healthy breakfasts are important to help them kick start their days.
- Use Books as a Treat
As a parent, you should start teaching your kids to read as early as six months. You can include this as part of their playtime or bedtime routine. Don’t force them to read. Instead, take the book and ask them to sit next to you as you read the book to them. After you’re done, you can ask your child questions or they can do the same. Reading is healthy because it boosts your child’s self-esteem.
- Don’t be a Lazy Parent, Do Something
Children should have at least an hour of active play every day. The best way to motivate them is to actually show them the activity and take the lead. If they see you doing it, they will follow your lead. You can do something as simple as jumping rope or play with inflatable balls. Play helps keep them healthy and away from lifestyle diseases.
- Teach them About Security
Your health is also determined by the security of your home. You can’t leave your door open or allow strangers to come into your home. Strangers can attack both you and your family and leave you with serious physical and emotional injuries. Tell your kids about the importance of being aware of their surroundings. Show them how to use the doorbell camera for their safety. Lock the door whenever you leave the house or ask the babysitter to do so.
- Avoid Soda
As much as you may love soda, you have to keep it away from your children. You can’t hide it and drink it when they are not around because they will find out one way or the other. Soda is too sweet and doesn’t have any nutritional benefits. Instead, drink water and encourage your kids to also do the same. Safe drinking water contains minerals that help the child grow.
- All Meals should be Healthy
Another way to encourage healthy living is to make sure that you eat a balanced diet. Anytime you and your family are having lunch or dinner, make sure that there are vegetables, proteins, and fruits on the menu. When your kid eats a balanced meal, they get all the nutrients required for healthy development. You should also tech them to eat fruits as snacks.
- Play Some Board Games
Instead of watching TV all the time, you can turn it off and play some board games with your child. As much as some people claim that TV programs can be educational, some time off the screens can be healthy for your kid’s eyes and brain. When you engage your kids by playing board games together, you help them become more creative.
Conclusion
Use the above strategies to make sure that your kids learn about healthy living. You have to be consistent in doing these things if you want them to stick. This means that you will also have to change your habits.
