As a parent or guardian, you are an important role model. Modeling healthy behavior at home helps children develop healthy habits.
Here are five ways you can support healthy behavior development:
MAKE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY A PRIORITY
Achieving 30 minutes of physical activity every day provides psychological and health benefits for adults and kids. When kids observe you this reinforces that an active lifestyle is a part of life and it's something you value.
GET ENOUGH SLEEP
Sleep is important at any age. Getting enough sleep helps your body recover, heal, and preps you for the next day.
EAT FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Provide fruits and vegetables at meal time and for snacks. Trying new foods, making grocery shopping fun, packing lunches together, and even prepping dinner together help to educate kids on the importance of healthy eating. Anytime you can, use meal prepping and meal time as an educational tool to help build healthy eating habits.
DRINK WATER
Model the way by drinking water with meals and carrying a water bottle when you are away from home. Proper hydration helps prevent fatigue, lowers stress levels, and keeps the body functioning well.
PROVIDE MINUTES OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AT HOME
Kids need 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day. Take time to be active as a family.
Keep it simple like walking to the park or getting the mail instead of driving.
Have fun. Create at-home obstacle courses or teach kids how to play backyard games.