Learning about essential health and wellness practices is vital to a child’s life. As children grow, they become exposed to different situations and environments that can impact their health. So, gearing them up with the proper knowledge on how to take care of their bodies is very important.
As a parent, you are responsible for ensuring that your child has a solid foundation when it comes to health and wellness. That includes teaching them basic practices to help your child develop healthy habits. But with so much to do, it can be challenging to know where to start.
If unsure about what should be in your child’s wellness routine, you can use this guide as a starting point. Below are some essential health and wellness practices for kids that you can easily incorporate into their daily routine.
Get them moving
Encourage your child to engage in physical activity every day. It can be as simple as walking around the block or playing tag in the backyard. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents should do at least one hour of physical activity every day.
Regular exercise will help them maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. It doesn’t have to be all at once either. You can break it down into shorter bouts of activity throughout the day.
However you choose to get them moving, the important thing is that they are active and engaged in some form of physical activity. This way, they can start building a habit of being physically active, which will benefit them in the long run.
Make sure they eat healthily
A well-balanced diet is essential for children of all ages. It helps them get the nutrients they need for growth and development. As a parent, you play a significant role in shaping your child’s eating habits.
You can start by modeling healthy eating habits and offering nutritious foods at mealtimes. It’s also essential to avoid making meals a battle. If your child is resistant to certain foods, try incorporating them into their diet differently or offer them as part of a fun game or activity.
For example, if your child doesn’t like broccoli, you can try hiding it in their favorite sauce or making it into a dip. You can also cut it into fun shapes or pair it with other food they enjoy eating.
It’s also essential to discuss the importance of healthy eating with your children. Explain to them how certain foods can impact their bodies and overall health. For instance, sugary drinks can cause cavities, and greasy foods can make them feel tired. Knowing how their diet affects them makes them more likely to make healthier food choices.
Encourage good hygiene habits
Good hygiene habits are essential for preventing the spread of germs and illnesses. It’s important to teach your children how to wash their hands properly, brush their teeth, and take care of their bodies.
One way to encourage good hygiene habits is to make it fun for them. You can turn handwashing into a game by singing or making it a competition. As for brushing their teeth, you can let them choose their toothbrush and toothpaste with their favorite character on it. Children are naturally drawn to entertaining things. So, by making hygiene practices more enjoyable, you’ll be more likely to get them to do it regularly.
By making an effort to incorporate these health and wellness practices into your child’s routine, you can help them develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
Protect their skin
Children are born with sensitive skin, which makes them more susceptible to skin damage. Protecting their skin from the sun, wind, and cold weather is essential.
When outdoors, dress your child in loose-fitting, breathable clothing, and apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Be sure to reapply it every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Besides protecting their skin from the sun, you should also teach your children the importance of keeping their skin hydrated. However, lotions might include fragrances and other ingredients that can irritate their skin. So, it’s best to avoid using them on young children.
As an alternative, you can use a herbal moisturizer for sensitive skin. This product contains natural ingredients that will help soothe and protect their skin without causing any irritation.
Nonetheless, the best way to protect your child’s skin is to create a habit they will carry into adulthood. By teaching them the importance of sun and skin protection early, you’ll set them up for a lifetime of healthy skin habits.
Teaching your children these basic health and wellness practices is essential for their overall well-being. Not only will it help them stay healthy, but it will also teach them how to take care of their bodies. These habits will benefit them in the long run, and you can be sure they’ll thank you for it later.
