Kids are like sponges. Anyone who’s been around a kid for more than a few minutes knows that they love to soak up new information. When it comes to teaching your own kids, you want them to learn the best habits from you. Even if you’re not perfect, there’s a lot you can teach your kids about healthy living and making smart choices. It’s never been more important to teach your kids about healthy eating, exercise, and lifestyle. As childhood obesity rates continue to rise, you can combat this in your family by teaching your children about how fun it can be to live a healthy life. Here are the top health habits to focus on today so your kids can have a healthy future tomorrow.
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1. Practice Good Hygiene
Good hygiene is the backbone of any healthy lifestyle. It might seem minor to wash your hands after every meal or brushing your teeth twice a day, but these little things add up in big ways. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention even estimate that washing your hands with soap and water can reduce respiratory infection risks by 16%. That’s a big percentage for a small task. Similarly, brushing your teeth at least once a day significantly reduces tooth decay. That’s important when a startling 91% of U.S. adults have some kind of dental caries in adult teeth. So start these habits now so your kids make them second nature.
2. Eat Breakfast
It’s hard to find the time for breakfast in the morning when you’re already so busy. Waking kids up on time, getting everyone dressed, and making it to school on time isn’t an easy task by any means. However, breakfast is actually the most important meal after all. Teaching your kids to expect breakfast in the morning will start their days off right. Not only will they be less prone to excessive snacking, but they’ll keep their energy up throughout the day. Not sure you have time? Batch cook some healthy breakfast foods like healthy muffins, granola bars, or overnight oats.
3. Visit the Doctor
Did you know a large portion of adults avoids visiting the doctor? Up to 20% of adults in some states could not visit the doctor for some reason or another. The same goes for many children who aren’t raised visiting the doctor or dentist regularly. When we avoid seeing health professionals for regular exams, it’s easy to develop a fear of treatment.The best care is preventative care. Teach your kids early on that seeing the doctor or the dentist is not a scary thing to do, rather, it’s an easy way to make sure your health is on track. Keep costs down by looking into the right health insurance for kids.
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4. Skip the Screentime
There are undoubtedly benefits to technology today. From educational content to learning tech skills that last a lifetime, it’s important to learn how to use technology in a positive way. However, too much of any one thing is never good. Find new ways to encourage your kids to get outside and be active. Whether you enroll your little one in a local sport or you join them on a walk with the dog, these small steps will keep them fit and active.
5. Prioritize Sleep
Too many adults don’t take their sleep seriously. Failing to get enough sleep at night will leave your kids struggling in school and behind on the growth curve. Not to mention the health dangers of a poor night’s sleep. Make sure your kids are getting enough sleep at night to maintain their health. For little ones between the ages of 5 and 12, aim for 10 hours of sleep at least. Practice healthy sleep habits. For instance, always have kids go to bed at the same time and avoid oversleeping on days off. Help them create a bedtime routine so they learn how to wind down when it’s time to hit the hay. Are you practicing healthy habits that will last your kids a lifetime? These steps above might seem small now, but they’re essential in preparing your kids for a full, healthy life. When kids age, they take the habits they formed as children as a basis for their entire lives.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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