It’s a common saying that “Children learn more by what they see than what they are told.” To help kids develop the best habits, you need to set a good example for them. Good habits will set the kids up for a healthy lifestyle in the long run. It will also be a good foundation for preventing conditions like obesity, diabetes, or poor mental health.
Below are the different ways to develop these healthy habits for kids:
Exercise Daily
A report by the CDC says children between ages 6 to 17 should exercise at an intensity high enough to raise their heart rate for at least an hour daily for five days a week.
To encourage children to exercise daily, consider using these tricks:
● Exercise as transportation: Walk with your kids to school, take a stroll to the park, or walk to visit friends.
● Make it social and fun: Children like to have fun, so you should play some music while exercising or play some games with them.
● Involve the entire family: One of the best ways to change your kids’ exercising habits is by inviting everyone in the family to join in outdoor activities.
● Motivate the kids with competition: Healthy competition between you and the kids can encourage them to try harder during exercise sessions. Create contests that will encourage them to push their limits.
Encourage Reading
Reading is an essential activity that helps children develop skills for improving brain function. Based on the science of reading, children who read books may develop a better understanding of abstract theories. They also have excellent writing skills, improved comprehension skills, and good vocabulary.
Below are some helpful tips for encouraging reading in kids:
● Model good reading behavior: When kids see you reading, they may also feel like reading themselves.
● Visit the library: At the library, you can sign your child up for preschool story time and allow them to choose books to take home.
● Travel with books: When traveling, ask your kids to choose the books they would love to take along.
● Read to your kids before bedtime: Based on the science of reading, saying words out loud to your kids when reading helps sharpen their imagination. On some days, you can also encourage your kid to read to you before their bedtime.
Create Healthy Daily Routines
Children thrive on routines, so creating healthy ones can set them on that path for life. According to the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center, children feel more confident and secure when they have predictable daily routines. Sometimes, they take the initiative and begin their routines themselves without your help.
Healthy routines can also develop your child’s self-discipline, helping them grow up to manage their time better.
Examples of healthy daily routines are:
● Setting regular meal and snack times
● Scheduling blocks of time for schoolwork
● Taking regular medication at the same time daily
● Maintaining similar bedtimes
Encourage a Healthy Sleep Pattern
Children need good sleep for better concentration, memory, and organization. Poor sleep can make children easily distracted, disruptive, and irritable. Lack of a healthy sleep pattern is also linked to mental health challenges, excessive weight gain, and bad school performance.
Here are some tips on how to encourage a healthy sleep pattern in your kids:
● Stay consistent with a bedtime routine.
● Keep nap times for older children no later than 20 minutes.
● Avoid scary TV shows, movies, computer games, or any activity that could make your kid feel unsafe at night.
● Don’t allow your kids to take drinks or substances with caffeine, even if they are in small quantities.
Limit Screen Time
Long screen times can affect your child’s sleep habits, focus, and brain function. Instead of long screen times, create an active learning environment with activities that boost cognitive development. Set daily screen time limits for your kid and stick to them. Also, don’t allow electronic devices in your child’s bedroom.
Final Thoughts
Consistency is a foundation for building healthy habits. Ensure you have a consistent routine for your child and stick to it. With consistency, you may begin to notice your child practicing some of the habits without your direct influence. When creating your routine, ensure that it’s fun for your child to make it easier for