How to Teach Your Kids Healthy Habits

Here at Phoenix Family Medical Clinic, we know that the holiday season is also cold, flu and “whatever illness is now going around at school” season. You try and do your best as a parent to keep your child happy and healthy, but it is also important to start teaching them healthy habits that will carry into adulthood. Learn how to get your kids to take the initiative to stay physically and mentally well as 2019 draws near. Read on for our helpful suggestions on how to teach your children the importance of being healthy. Introduce a Balanced and Varied Diet Children can be notoriously picky eaters. Their palettes are not fully developed, which could be why they tend to like very sweet foods. It can be a challenge for any parent to get their child to eat a healthy diet. However, at Phoenix Family Medical Clinic we believe that eating a balanced and varied diet is the cornerstone of good health. We have some suggestions that will hopefully get some colorful produce, lean proteins and whole grains onto your child’s plate. Getting kids involved in cooking helps them to take ownership over their meals. Without structure, dinnertime can become a battleground in many homes. However, if kids have some input on the menu for week and are allowed to help with age-appropriate cooking tasks, then they will be more willing to want to eat their own creations. Try growing an herb in a small pot and having your child care for the plant. You can then use the fresh herb in your cooking. Kids also love items that make noises and have cool features. Try having your child work the blender or flip a pancake. Incorporate healthy ingredients into foods they already love (try this healthy and delicious mac and cheese recipe). We tend to think of food as either “good” or “bad”. However, this can lead to unhealthy thinking patterns regarding food. It can be helpful to think in terms of foods that we should eat more in moderation (such as sweets and treats) and foods we want to eat more regularly. Sleep Most Americans do not get enough sleep—and that includes our kids! Getting the recommended amount of sleep is essential for health. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at around the same time (even on weekends). This can help children get the rest they need by establishing a sleep routine. Try limiting screen time before bed and have children read or talk about the good parts of their day. It also helps to keep their rooms cool, relatively dark and quiet. Hydration Drinking water is so important for our health. Phoenix medical clinics are especially familiar with dehydration due to the heat and dry desert climate. Allow water to be the main source of hydration for your family. Try sparkling water with a little juice as a healthier alternative to soda. You can also have your family “eat their water.” Choose fruits and vegetables that contain water naturally, such as watermelon or bell peppers. Try and limit milk consumption to unsweetened varieties or try nut milk alternatives. Exercise as Play and Family Time Now that the weather has cooled down here in Phoenix, it is the perfect time to get outside and be active! If children see physical activity as a fun time to play with Mom and Dad, then they will be more likely to participate. Try walking to a favorite park and bring the dog to play! Let the kids pick a local hike to take as a family. There are lots of easy ways to make exercise a healthy habit for all of you. Here at Phoenix Family Medical Clinic, we want to ensure that you and your family have a happy and healthy holiday season. Feel free to reach out and make an appointment online or just walk in!

• Prev
• Next