If you have kids, one of your biggest concerns is likely making sure they grow up healthy and happy. How do you do that, though, without giving them a complex? It takes a little planning and mindfulness, but you can teach your kids how to be healthy without being overbearing or giving them health anxiety. Read on to find out how to begin:
Set Examples
Know that the examples you set mean everything when you’re trying to teach your kids how to be healthy. They will look to you whether you know it or not. You could tell them how to be healthy until you are blue in the face, but they’re not going to take it in if it doesn’t seem that you’re taking your own advice. Keep this in mind that whether you’re eating a healthy meal, working out, or taking time to yourself, they are paying more attention than you know.
Watch Your Language
The way you speak around your kids can have a big impact on their mindsets, too. Using positive language around things like exercise, eating right, and even learning can make them more excited for it. For example, saying ‘we get to exercise today!’ rather than ‘we have to exercise today’ changes things. The first one indicates it’s something you are lucky to do and are excited for. The second one indicates that it is a chore. Changing some very simple habits in your vocabulary could change the mindset of the whole family.
Learn As Much As You Can
You can’t teach your kids to be healthy if you don’t really know how to be healthy yourself. Try to learn as much as you can – but keep it simple. For example, fad diets are just that. You shouldn’t cut out any food group or macronutrient. That’s not health, and it’s certainly not promoting a long term way of eating. Figure out what’s really important – hint: it’s eating balanced meals, not demonizing certain foods, staying active, and reducing stress. Yes, kids can get stressed too!
Make Regular Health Appointments
Make sure you make regular health appointments for both you and your kids. Head to Carousel Dentistry – Your Children’s Dentist if you need to make an appointment you’ve been putting off. Many dentists will be able to deal with nervous patients.
Help Them To Stay Active
See if your kids are good at any sport or activity and look for clubs. It should be something they enjoy, of course. Having a hobby like this will help them to stay fit and healthy, build social skills and confidence, and more.
Prioritize Mental Health
Prioritize mental health, not just physical health. Get into the habit of changing the way you all talk, and list things you’re grateful for. Try to be mindful, too!
Eat One Meal Together Each Day
Eating one meal together each day can help kids in numerous ways – not only do they tend to excel at school, they tend to be more likely to avoid giving in to peer pressure!
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