When you are a parent, protecting your child from harm becomes your top priority. All you want to do is keep your son or daughter safe from all the horrible things in the world. You hammer into them protective measures like road safety, stranger danger, and fill your home full of childproof devices to keep them from hurting themselves. These are all completely reasonable measures, as a young child is not always capable of understanding and avoiding these perils.
But why then, do so many parents neglect the health of their children? In the United States there is an epidemic of obesity, with almost 20% of kids considered overweight due a combination of poor diet and lack of exercise. Even being slightly overweight significantly increases the risk of health issues in later life, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, strokes, and cancer. So if you’d protect your child from fast-moving traffic, why would you not take steps to protect them from heart attacks?
There are so many things you can do as a parent to raise a healthy, happy child. By imposting a few crucial habits and behviours, your little one will be able to live a wholesome and even enjoy it. To get you started, here are four tips for boosting your kid’s wellbeing.
Promote Exercise
An active lifestyle is one of the best ways for children to maintain a healthy weight and avoid the risk of health issues. And there is no reason exercise has to be a chore. There are plenty of ways to make physical activity a fun part of your family routine. Go for bike rides in the park and walks in the wood together. Spend your weekends going swimming in your local pool or playing football in the park. Encourage them to sign up for sports clubs at school and be there at the sidelines to cheer them on.
Eat Healthy Meals
A good diet is just as important as exercise, and you need to refrain from feeding them too many fast food dinners and sugary after-school snacks. There’s nothing wrong with a treat every now and then but it shouldn’t be a daily occurrence. Prepare healthy, home-cooked meals with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. By giving your little one proper nutrition from a young age, they are less likely to become picky eaters who only eat McDonalds and KFC.
Look After Their Mental Health
Young people today are increasingly at risk of mental health issues, particualry with the prevalence of social media. It’s important to talk to your child about mental wellbeing and self-care. If they are having problems at school or with their friendship group, let them know you are there for them.
Encourage Oral Hygiene
A thorough dental care routine is crucial to ward off unpleasant issues like gum disease, bad breath, and tooth decay. Teach your child proper brushing and flossing technique to keep their teeth nice and clean. Take them to a family dentist once or twice a year so they can get a full checkup.
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