Most of the values, habits, routines, and attitudes we have as adults began when we were still children. If you have a positive outlook in life, it is most likely that you were raised in an environment that values optimism. If you are thrifty, you were probably taught how to be a smart spender as a child. If you are a responsible worker, you probably took it after your parents whom you have always seen as such hardworking people.
It is not any different with a healthy lifestyle. If you promote junk food and irregular sleeping habits, you cannot expect your kid to grow up having a healthy lifestyle. It is important that during this stage in his life, you are able to instill in him the importance of fitness and health. Here are some ways on how to help you do just that.
1. Encourage your kid to eat a healthy diet
A well-balanced diet consists of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals needed for nourishment and proper functioning of the body and mind. Use the pyramid of nutrition as guide for formulating meal plans for your little one. It may be difficult to make your kid eat vegetables and fruits because kids are more attracted to junk foods like chips, chocolates, and sweet treats.
However, you may employ some tricks and techniques to encourage your kid to eat his veggies. One way to do this is to make his veggies look fun and exciting. Combine different colors and use these veggies to create playful shapes that would entice him to munch on these treats.
Another way would be to disguise the vegetables or fruits like turning it into juice, smoothie or shake. Moreover, you may also give incentives and rewards occasionally to reinforce your kid’s healthy eating habits.
2. Establish healthy sleep routine for your kid
Sleep is an essential part of one’s health. Some kids would always stay up late watching television or playing video games. This is not a healthy habit. Be authoritative and establish a schedule for his naptime and night sleeping time.
In addition, make sure he wakes up early in the morning. It is not a good idea to let your kid oversleep just to make up for sleeping late last night. As the old adage goes, “Early to bed, early to rise makes one healthy, wealthy and wise!”
3. Allow your kid to play outside
Physical activity is important to hone a number of skills such as fine and gross motor skills, muscle strength, flexibility, endurance, stamina and so on. By playing outside, your kid will be able to get all the necessary exercise he needs to thrive and develop properly.
4. Set a good example.
It is true that observational learning is one of the most effective ways to teach a child. Because of this, you need to ensure that you set a good example and that you practice what you preach so that it would be easier for your child to take on healthy habits such as sleeping early, exercising, and eating healthy.
Your kid will not magically have healthy habits without your proper guidance and support. Teach him the right healthy habits so that he would grow up to become an adult with a healthy lifestyle.
