When it comes to raising healthy and happy children, every one of us wants to do our best, but you may be wondering, “Where do I even start?” Don’t worry, ladies, I’ve put together some useful tips to raising healthy and happy children to get you in the right direction.
1. Keep them active
It’s so easy to fall into the trap of allowing children stay entertained by the computer, video games, and TV. But if you want to raise healthy children you should keep them active. Set aside time every day to get some physical exercise for you and your children. For instance, go for a walk to your local park or play a game of tag in your backyard. Moreover, plan some special family time that won’t involve watching TV.
2. Feed them well
Good nutrition is essential to children’s mental and physical health as well as development. But sometimes it’s difficult to feed children healthy foods, especially if you have picky eaters. Never expect your children to eat a whole grain bread or healthy salad if you munch on fried food and potato chips. Cook only healthy meals for the whole family.
3. Talk about smoking, alcohol and drugs
Encourage your children to never smoke and teach them the dangers of drugs and alcohol. If you smoke, then talk to your children about the negative effects of smoking on your health. Ask them to help you quit smoking and do your best to quit. You should also teach your children about safe drinking and the dangers of drinking and driving.
4. Keep them safe
What is the point of having healthy and happy children if you are not keeping them safe? You must teach your kids about stranger danger. Also, make sure your kids wear the protective gear for sports as well as outdoor activities. As you drive make sure your children are properly secured in the car.
5. Be real and honest
As I mentioned above, it’s important to talk to your kids about the dangers of smoking, alcohol, and drugs. First of all you need to keep the discussion age appropriate. Also, be real and honest. If you are honest your children will understand you better.
6. Team player
While regular outdoor play is good, children should also be a part of a team. So try to find out what kinds of activities your children enjoy and what your community has to offer. Perhaps it will take several tries but finally you and your children will find the perfect activity to join. My son and daughter tried dance and soccer before they both fell in love with swimming. Playing Gel Blaster outdoors can also encourage your children to pay well with others.
7. Live a healthy lifestyle
If you want healthy and happy children you should live a healthy lifestyle as well. Your children are more likely to do what you do, not what you say. That’s why you have to eat right and lead a healthy lifestyle if you want your kids to eat right and lead a healthy lifestyle. If you want your kids to develop healthy relationships you should show them examples of such. Never think your children are not watching you. In fact, children are paying attention to everything their parents say and do.
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Bonus Tip: Give Praise and Encouragement
Praise and encouragement are vital to boosting children’s confidence and reinforcing good behaviors. Hence, parents should pay attention to provide their children with validation, but only when it is appropriate. Give them a pat on the back and praise their effort when they put their toys back to where these belong.
Be descriptive with your praise too so they know exactly what you’re praising them for. For example, instead of saying “Good job!” say something like “I love how you share your toys with your brothers/sister.”
Also, get creative with giving praise and encouragement. Maybe you can organize a family award-giving activity and give one another customized trophies, stars, or medals for each doing a job with your respective responsibilities. After all, it’s not just the kids who need praise and encouragement from important people to be happy and confident.
Every parent wants their kids to be healthy and happy and it’s important to be a positive example for healthy living in the child’s life. Keep in mind that you have to keep an open line of communication with your children and talk about issues that concern us all. Do you have any tips for raising healthy and happy children? Feel free to share them.