Having kids is a big responsibility and the most important part of your job is to help them learn to take care of themselves. Their health should be a high priority and if you want to make that a reality you need to help them to care for their own health. As your kids age you can make them responsible for age appropriate aspects of their health so you are working together to keep them healthy.
Tell Them the Why Behind Everything
Most kids want to know why they need to do what they need to do. So if you can explain to them the why of their health choices they will be more likely to make those choices consistently to help themselves stay healthy and feel good. Make sure that you answer their “why” questions with answers that are manageable for them at their current age. As they get older you can start adding in more detailed responses so their understanding can grow with them.
Get Them into a Routine
One of the easiest things you can do to help your child build their own healthy habits is to help them to develop a routine that you follow each day. When taking care of their health is a normal part of their daily life, it is harder for them to forget.These habits should include all aspects of their health from mental and physical health to oral health as well. One example of how this works is that if your child doesn’t floss, they’re more likely to develop plaque. Having a flossing habit can prevent this problem.
Set the Example
If your kids see you leading a healthy lifestyle, it will be easier for them to follow suit. It is difficult for kids to establish their own good habits if their parents aren’t developing good habits of their own. Take time to help your child by showing them healthy behaviors in your own life. This will make it easier for you and your child to enjoy spending a healthy life together.
Take it slow and give your child the chance to develop healthy habits over time. Trying to do it all at once can make things frustrating for you and your child. But if you are patient and supportive, you can help your child to feel more comfortable keeping themselves healthy.
Part of healthy living is healthy eating! Click here for more tips on helping your kid develop healthy eating habits.
