Modelling Healthy Choices for Your Kids
As a parent, you want to do everything you can to help your kids make healthy choices. It can be challenging, though, when so many temptations exist. From unhealthy foods to screen time, kids have many things trying to pull them in the wrong direction.
Parents need to be proactive and teach their kids how to make healthy decisions.
This article from Kids Pilates in Action will discuss tips for helping your kids stay on the right track.
Start With Nutrition
You must lead by example if you want your kids to eat healthy food. Instead of snacking on junk food, reach for a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts. Instead of drinking soda, opt for water or a healthy smoothie. By making these simple changes, you'll not only help reduce hunger and gain energy, but you'll also encourage good nutrition in your children. In turn, they'll be more likely to make healthy choices, setting them up for a lifetime of good health.
Encourage Exercise
In addition to eating healthy, it's also essential for your kids to get enough exercise. It can be tricky, especially if your kids are glued to their screens all day. However, there are ways to encourage them to get up and move. Try setting a daily or weekly activity goal, such as walking the dog or riding bikes together. You can also join a local sports team or sign up for swimming lessons. By getting your kids involved in activities they enjoy, you'll help them see the importance of exercise and how much fun it can be.
Another option for exercise is to include Pilates. Pilates is an excellent way for kids to develop coordination and confidence in their bodies. It also promotes healthy muscle development and flexibility. The focus on balance also benefits potential sports activities as they age.
Schedule Regular Doctor Visits
Another way to help ensure that your kids stick to healthy habits is to schedule regular doctor visits. Seeing a doctor regularly can help identify potential health problems early on and keep them from becoming more serious. Additionally, doctors can provide valuable guidance on living a healthier lifestyle.
With online doctor visits, you can access reliable medical care from the comfort of your own home. When you choose to see an online doctor, you'll have a wider variety of choices for care and treatment, and virtual visits are typically more affordable than in-person appointments. If you need prescription medication, many online doctors can write prescriptions that you can fill at your local pharmacy.
As more and more medical records are accessible digitally, it’s essential to store them. This is easy to do on your computer or even your tablet. First, open Safari on your iPad and navigate to the relevant PDF of your records. Then tap the Share icon and save it to Books or Files. Now you’ll have your documents easily accessible from anywhere.
Lead by Example
As a parent, you always look for ways to set a good example for your children. This means modelling behaviours you want to see in your children and positively reinforcing those behaviours with praise when observed. It also means practising effective stress management when necessary.
You want them to learn to be responsible, respectful, and hardworking. One of the best ways to do this is by following your dreams. When you return to school and earn a teaching degree or MBA, you show your children that it is never too late to learn and better yourself. You are also setting the example that hard work pays off. Your children will benefit from the example you set and know that it is possible to achieve their dreams, no matter how big or small.
Healthy Choices That Last a Lifetime
Following these tips can help your kids make healthy choices that will last a lifetime. With your help, they'll be on their way to a happy and healthy future.
Dylan Foster*
Health writer
Image via Pexels
*Dylan collaborates with Kids Pilates in Action to promote health among families.
