A healthy childhood is the foundation for a lifelong commitment to wellness. By encouraging healthy behaviors from an early age, you are setting your child up for a long and healthy life simply by promoting healthy behaviors now.
Keep these items in mind as you promote healthy behaviors in your children:
- Develop healthy habits as a family to reinforce positive behaviors.
- Incorporate healthy eating and exercise into your daily routine so your child learns and practices them consistently.
- Get them excited about brushing their teeth. Celebrate brushing with a fun song or dance.
- Play sports with your children other than walking and running. This can create positive associations with physical activity.
- Find ways to make healthy choices a rewarding experience.
- Use repetition. Be persistent in maintaining healthy habits. Consistency is essential to creating lasting change. Practicing healthy behaviors for 21 days can establish it as a new habit.
“Habits are things we do a lot without thinking, like routines. They can be good or bad, affecting how we live and grow. It is like your brain saying, “I know how to do it!”
Learn about Habits Workbook
For example, if you brush your teeth every morning and evening, your teeth will feel “dirty” if you miss a brushing session. Help your child develop healthy habits that they can carry into adulthood. Guide and support them as they learn and practice healthy behaviors.
- Provide a variety of healthy snacks to encourage mindful eating.
- Stock your kitchen with fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. Children are more likely to choose a nutritious option.
- Offering healthy snacks will help your child become used and appreciate nutritious choices.
- Set screen time limits to encourage a balance between digital time and other activities.
- Encourage outdoor play and reading to provide alternatives to screen time. Allow time for play, exploration, and creative activities.
- Scheduling simple activities such as going to the park or taking a nature walk around the neighborhood is fun and a good learning distraction for children.
- Set screen time limits to encourage a balance between digital time and other activities.
- Encourage outdoor play and reading to provide alternatives to screen time. Allow time for play, exploration, and creative activities.
- Scheduling simple activities such as going to the park or taking a nature walk around the neighborhood is fun and a good learning distraction for children.
- Remember to be involved without being overly controlling. Offer guidance and support while allowing them to be independent.
- Make yourself available and accessible when they need you.
- Involve your child in establishing and maintaining healthy habits. Work together to create a family culture of well-being that everyone can agree on.
- Explore local opportunities that align with your child’s interests. Discover what your children like and sign them up for those activities.
- Use online platforms to connect with other parents and resources. Join community groups or forums for support, advice, and shared experiences.
- Incorporating SEL into your daily routines can foster emotional intelligence, positive relationships, and resilience.
- Explore resources like Edufrienz for practical tips and activities to support your child’s growth and development.
When Things Go Wrong
Maintaining a consistent healthy habit might be challenging for busy parents and lifestyles, and slipping into unhealthy habits is easy. When faced with setbacks, take proactive steps to address the problem. Clearly define the unhealthy behavior you want to change, then develop a practical plan to overcome the challenge. For example, if you eat out too often, explore healthy home cooking options or find healthier restaurants. By tackling challenges head-on, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle for yourself and your family. Being proactive about challenges and maintaining a positive attitude can ensure your family’s continued progress toward healthy habits.
Are you interested in fostering healthy habits and SEL for your child?Explore Edufrienz for valuable resources and activities to support your child’s well-being.
