Healthy Habits To Start With Your Children
Posted on: 7 April 2018
You may have some unhealthy habits that you've had for quite some time, but now that you have a little one, you may want to think about making a few changes. These changes can be healthier for you as well as your child. Read below for a list of healthy habits to start now with your children.
Eat At The Table
You may still be eating in front of the television or sitting around the kitchen rather than at a table, which can be unhealthy. You may eat more than you think if you're eating in front of the television or standing to eat. Sitting at a table together without any technology is a better way to eat a meal. You can have conversations with your family while also paying attention to what you are eating.
Drink More Water
Drinking water can hydrate the entire body and is good for your heart, kidneys, skin, and teeth. Drinking water is a much better option than drinking soda or juice. If you aren't drinking water, start. It sets a good example for your children and will get them drinking water as well. Try to drink at least 8 - 10 glasses of water each day, and give your child a drinking cup with water in it throughout the day, filling it when it's low. To help monitor how much your child is drinking and to help get them drink more, use an app such as Plant Nanny, which is a fun way to get your child to drink water. Your child's pediatrician may be able to tell you exactly how much water your child should be drinking each day, based on their age and weight.
Eat Veggies
If veggies aren't your thing, your children may not eat them either. Start swapping out potatoes, rice, and noodles for veggies instead. Children can benefit from veggies such as leafy greens (spinach and kale), sweet potatoes, and carrots, as well as other vegetables. Mix these veggies in with other things such as diced cooked carrots mixed with sweet potatoes, or use kale or spinach blended into a fruit smoothie. Hide these healthy foods if you have to, but keep trying to get your children to consume them (and you as well).
Spend Less Time on Tech Gadgets
When you're at home, put the phone away and spend time as a family. Don't give your child tech gadgets or allow your child to watch television all day long. Only allow a maximum of 2 hours per day of tech time for your child (this includes phones, video games, tablets and television). You can benefit from this rule as well. Instead, encourage your child to get active.
These are healthy habits that you can benefit from and that can be very healthy for your child as well. These healthy habits are things your child will take into adulthood. Talk to your pediatrician about other healthy habits for your children.
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