Guest blog by Gwen Payne.
It is crucial for parents to give their kids the resources they need to live balanced, healthy lives. Creating a healthy lifestyle for kids can be easier than you may think. Here are some tips and resources to help your little ones make healthy choices, courtesy of Follow Breza to Preschool.
Make Healthy Food Choices Easily Accessible
One of the best ways to encourage healthy eating habits in children is by making healthy food options easily accessible. Keep a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains on hand and offer them as snacks or incorporate them into meals. Limiting access to unhealthy snacks is crucial, but it doesn’t mean that treats are off-limits entirely. Allow your children to indulge in moderation and use this as an opportunity to teach them about balance.
Encourage More Water, Fewer Sugary Drinks
Children should drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Sugary drinks like soda and sports drinks should be limited as much as possible due to their high sugar content. Encourage your kids to try infused water with fruit slices or a splash of citrus juice for added flavor.
Encourage Trying New Foods
Trying new foods can be intimidating for kids, but it’s an excellent way to expand their palate and introduce them to healthier options. Explain why these choices are beneficial and how they can impact their health positively. Take them grocery shopping and let them select a new fruit or vegetable to try each week. This can be a fun activity that gets them excited about trying new things.
Reduce Screen Time and Promote Exercise
Physical activity is vital for overall health and well-being. Encourage your kids to spend more time outside and engage in activities that get them moving. Limit screen time, including TV and video games, to encourage more physical activity. Set a good example by participating in physical activity alongside your kids.
Teach the Value of Making Healthful Decisions
It’s important to discuss healthy choices with children in an age-appropriate manner. Explain the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, such as increased energy and better sleep. Use simple language that your kids can understand and relate to.
Talk About Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant that affects different individuals in various ways. Too much caffeine can lead to negative side effects like anxiety and insomnia. Discuss caffeine and its dangers with your kids in an age-appropriate manner. Mention that Vietnamese coffee is particularly high in caffeine, so it should be limited or avoided altogether.
Create a Regular Bedtime Schedule
Getting enough sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. Establishing a regular bedtime routine can help your kids get the recommended amount of sleep each night. This routine can include a relaxing bath, reading a book, or listening to soft music before bed.
Go on Daily Walks
Taking daily walks together is a wonderful way to boost one’s mental and physical well-being. It is an ideal opportunity to bond while also getting some fresh air and exercise. If you don’t have a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, consider looking for an area with a high Walk Score of 70+ to enjoy the benefits of walking.
To live balanced, healthy lives for kids doesn’t have to be complicated. Encouraging new food choices, discussing the importance of healthy choices and caffeine consumption, establishing a regular bedtime routine, etc., can also contribute to a healthier lifestyle overall. Use these tips and resources to help your kids build and maintain healthy habits throughout their lives.
Follow Breza to Preschool was written by Mary Abbruzzese, a retired preschool teacher. You can pick it up here!
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