As a parent, you have the great opportunity of helping your child grow healthy and strong. Children have many years of life ahead of them, and their health and habits now will greatly affect the rest of their lives. Prioritizing your child’s health is one of the best things you can do as a parent.
Encourage Them to Play Outside
Nowadays, there is so much access to technology and social media, even from very young ages. Technology and media are very detrimental to both physical and mental health. For example, studies have shown that children constantly using technology have less-developed brains since they are more reliant on technology for solving their problems. Children constantly on technology are also more likely to become depressed when they get older. Encouraging your children to play outside will help them not become so attached and dependent on technology for problem-solving, friendships, and entertainment.
Make Sure They’re Getting Key Nutrients
In order for children to grow healthy and strong, they need to get key nutrients through their diet. Children’s bodies are still growing and developing, so it is imperative that they get these nutrients during adolescence. Make sure that your child has a balanced, nutritious diet full of many different healthy foods and drinks. For example, milk provides calcium, a nutrient that’s essential for healthy teeth. Building healthy teeth during childhood will ensure that your children will have stronger teeth for many years to come.
Make Sure They Get Enough Sleep
In addition to helping your child have an active and nutritious lifestyle, you need to make sure your child is getting enough sleep each night. Adequate rest is just as important to health and strength as exercise and nutrition. Children need quite a bit of sleep, with elementary-aged children needing between nine to twelve hours of sleep each night. To ensure your child gets adequate sleep, set a bedtime for them. You can help your child stick to this bedtime by having nighttime routines, helping them wind down at night, and keeping noise levels down around bedtime.
Good health and strength are very holistic. For your child to grow healthy and strong, they need to be active, get key nutrients from a balanced diet, and sleep enough to recharge and rejuvenate. As your child lives a healthier lifestyle, they will also be much happier.
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