Adopt these 15 meaningful ways to raise happy, healthy kids.
Here’s a round-up of solid advice for raising happy, healthy kids.
The list is not exhaustive, but focuses on easy to implement tips.
Adopt these tips to aide in ensuring the well-being of your most precious assets – your kids.
15 Ways to Raise Happy, Healthy Kids
SMALL CHILDREN
- When your kiddo is thirsty, always offer water first. It is still the healthiest choice around and will set them up for a lifetime of both healthy hydration and body mass index.
- Be consistent about bedtime. It can be hard for kids to get the right amount of sleep when their sleep-wake rhythm is not consistent.
- It is healthy for your child to want independence. Find safe opportunities to allow them to explore, make new friends, and try new things.
- Should your child swallow something poisonous, remember to take the container to the emergency room.
- Kids imitate their parents. Be a good example of what it means to get daily physical activity.
- Even small children benefit from meditation. The good news is there are so many resources to getting started with meditation. Or, look for yoga classes that cater to small children.
- If you have a small child resistant to eating vegetables, try hiding minced or shredded vegetables in meat loaf, casseroles, and sauces.
- Get into the healthy habit of eating dinner together as a family. Did you know the research shows that children who participated in family dinners were more likely to eat healthy fruits and vegetables?
TEENS
- Strive for open communication with your teen. When you listen, make every effort to be as uncritical as you can.
- Emotions can sometimes manifest as physical symptoms. Treat both the physical and emotional symptoms.
- All teens need to be comfortable with their doctor. Let them have input on who their health care provider is.
- Teens need healthy ways to vent. Allow them to vent their anger and sadness. Encourage them to continue with a meditation practice.
- Monitor how much stuff goes into your child’s backpack. Too much weight can strain the back and contribute to back pain as they get older.
- As long as they live in your house, make sure they use their seatbelt.
- To grow in health and grace, teens need affection and understanding, even when they are reluctant to admit it. Remind them a 6 second hug has been clinically proven to boost your mood.
What would you add to this list of ways to raise happy, healthy kids?
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