Parenting is a hard row to hoe! For even the tiniest of things, kids look up to their parents only. From being toddlers to teenagers, they either imitate or observe the skills, behavior, actions and even habits of their guardians. It’s not wrong to say that the well-being of children entirely depends on how they’ve been raised by adults. Yes, we know there is no one golden rule that works for every child. But, a set of healthy habits can definitely make a difference in their life.
The foundation for well-adjusted kids always starts with parents! There is a possibility that some of you might already be implementing a few of these habits. Let’s take a look at these super important tips that help you raise healthy habits in kids.
- Setting a balanced Breakfast routine
How can the first meal of the day help in inculcating healthy habits? Having a balanced diet for breakfast replenishes the supply of glucose that boosts energy levels and alertness. Ensure to make the first meal wholesome that including vegetables, fruits, grains, and rich-protein foods. Keep a variety of whole-grain bread or cereals, a glass of milk or smoothie and yogurt. You can use the idea of creative plating, colorful setting or nutritious toppings for making it more exciting for kids.
- The power of Staying Hydrated
Stick to the idea of offering a glass of water first, instead of pampering the little ones with sweetened drinks. Yes, you can offer fresh coconut water, and lemon water as a substitute but nothing can replace water. Help your child develop a habit of drinking plenty of water throughout the day. While concentrated drinks plague children with obesity, water helps in dissolving the extra fats in the body. We stress the importance of increasing the water consumption of kids in the summer, especially after strenuous activities.
- Foster a healthy relationship with food
For the sake of awareness, do not force your children to complete the meal even after they’re already full. In the beginning years, it is important to make them learn about the right portion size. A child can develop the habit of overeating, if not watched in their early years. Let your child decide when he or she is feeling hungry or full. At times, your child can act as a picky eater, in such cases taking the help of a pediatrician could direct you to give a meal incorporating a variety of foods covering all the nutrients in a precise manner.
- More Outdoor time, Less Screen-time
Seeing parents working out in the morning automatically encourages children to indulge in the same activities. Expose your kids to a range of physical activities, from swimming to skipping, walking or jogging, to cycling. You can set an early morning routine for Yoga! Instead of showcasing these activities as the responsibility of an individual, join them in these sessions! Pick any physical activity as ‘family activity’ that not only benefits them physically but channelizes mental and emotional well-being.
These days, children spend too much time in front of a screen! Break the cycle! A child’s mind needs specific stimuli from the outside environment for a healthy brain development. Set a routine, keep an eye on your children, don’t let them spend plenty of hours being inactive sitting in front of T.V, laptop or mobile.
- Prioritize a Fixed Sleeping Routine
With today’s busy schedules, a solid sleep routine can be hard to stick to! For a second, let’s just keep this idea stuck to adults only. Even though irregular sleeping patterns aren’t good for any human being, children especially need enough sleep to improve their overall well-being. Not getting enough sleep may lead to many health issues, including obesity. Talk to your doctor, read journals, learn about the healthy sleeping hours as per your child’s age and fix that schedule that helps them to feel more in control of their day. Also, it goes without saying that a good amount of sleep is important to keep them fit and healthy!
Bottom Line
Remember, only you play the biggest role in your children’s lives. Engage your children in healthy eating, physical activity, and important lessons that shape their future in a better state both physically and mentally. In the end setting, these habits as a part of a consistent routine can reduce stress for both parents and children! For more parenting advice and support, contact the pediatrician counselors at Prakash Hospital, Noida.
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