15 Meaningful Ways to Raise Happy, Healthy Kids

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

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?

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?