We hear about it all the time these days. Obesity is becoming a huge problem and more so in younger children. This is because younger children are developing bad habits when it comes to their diets and activity levels. That, and the advanced technology that has become at their disposal. More and more children are spending less time outside and more time glued to the television and computer games. Team that with an unhealthy diet of junk food and chocolate and they are on a one way journey to bad health in the future. However, it doesn’t have to be that way.
It is so important to teach children about good healthy choices from a young age. Be that not giving them the option of unhealthy things or just encouraging them in different ways. The power lies with us, the parents. So I thought I would share with you a few ways that you can encourage a healthy and active life in young children and beyond. Hopefully establishing good habits for the future.
Healthy diets
Your diet is one of the leading things that can cause you to become overweight. If you, or your children, are gorging on junk food each day. Not getting a good intake of fruit and vegetables, then you aren’t doing yourself any favours.
Weaning
One of the first ways we introduce young children to food is through weaning. At the time, your child doesn’t know that they dislike anything green. They are curious to the new textures and tastes that they are about to experience. But, many parents don’t take advantage of this. The thing is, a child has to try something at least eight times before they can make a conscious decision of whether they like something. Especially at this age. If they spit it out once many parents assume they don’t like it and never offer again. But the chances are the next time they will eat it. The issue is we set a lot of the habits from this age. Thankfully with the introduction of methods like baby led weaning, it’s easier to help our children experience new foods.
Eating as a family
Another great way to encourage good eating habits from a young age is to eat as a family. Serving up one meal helps diminish any risk of fussy eating in the future. It enables you to lead by example. Most children will try something new or eat their meal if they are surrounded by others doing the same thing. Plus it is a great opportunity to spend some quality time together bonding. Eating a meal as a family is something families don’t do enough of. But it’s a great time to reconnect with one another.
Try and not make a drama out of food or meal times
Finally, when it comes to food and trying new things try and not make a drama out of mealtimes. Easier said than done when your young child is refusing to eat a lovingly prepared meal. Just accept that there will be good days of eating and bad days. But being consistent with healthy options is key for good habits to be developed in the future.
Getting active
Being active is another thing young children today don’t do. Smartphones and games consoles are far more appealing. Too many times you will hear about children residing in their bedrooms playing video games non stop. While technology is great and it’s important to encourage healthy use of it, it is also vital to ensure that children remain active. This means getting outdoors and burning off energy the old fashioned way.
Have active family days out
Again sometimes the best offence is to do things as a family. So enjoy active days out by going on a hike, heading for a walk in the local woods, or just playing with a ball at the local park. Sometimes the chance of spending quality time together is enough to entice a child from their beloved tablet. To do something fun and active for a change. On the more serious side a good level of fitness is vital for good health in the future.
Encourage extracurricular activities
Another great way to encourage a more active lifestyle is to enrol your children in some after school clubs. Or extracurricular activities on the weekend. You will find that there is literally a class for anything, so you are bound to find something your child will take an interest in. From gymnastics for preschoolers to soccer and baseball practice there is something for everyone. Many times your school will offer such clubs. But researching online will often unearth some great local clubs. It’s also another fantastic opportunity for your children to socialise with other children. Allowing them to make some friends outside of the school environment.
Listen to what your child is interested in
Finally, it might be hard to stray away from the dream you have for your child but you need to ensure you listen to them. You may want them to be the next tennis star or football hero, but they may have other ideas. The last thing you want to do is force a more active lifestyle on your child. This could cause rebellion in the future. So make sure you listen to the things they will like to try and ensure you encourage that wholeheartedly.
Drinking plenty of water
The last thing to consider is the amount of water your child drinks. We can be too easily strayed towards cordial drinks or sugary alternatives, but in the long term these are no good for young children.
Avoid sugary drinks
Try and ensure you stay away from the sugary drinks alternative or diluting water with flavours. This develops a taste to your child that will be difficult to break away from as they get older. Especially as most schools offer just milk and water as drink options now.
Added benefits
There are some great added benefits to drinking water. Not only could it improve the mood of your child but it could also help them sleep at night and increase their energy levels. In a good way. Water is a great detox, even for children, so try and encourage a decent water intake from an early age.
I hope these tips help you encourage a healthy and active lifestyle for your children.