Habits are formed in our early years, and these elements can go forward with us later on in life. Both good and bad habits are often created, and it’s essential to get that balance right when you’re bringing up your family. For the most part, as adults, we know which choices will have the best outcomes, and failing gives us grounds to learn what works and doesn’t. However, kids, of course, are different. We have to show them ways to build healthy habits, so when they grow up, they too can make the best choices.
So, where do you start? Check out these handy ways to get the message across without putting a negative spin on it.
Become a role model – Naturally, kids learn directly from adults. That’s not to say you have to be a shining example all the time, as everyone is human. The range of lifestyle choices we have in daily life can be challenging to navigate, especially if your child is learning from you and others around you. A good starting point when it comes to food is to show children what eating well looks like. Skip the junk food and sweet treats, and get them involved in cooking meals that have all the nutrients and good stuff they need to grow.
Danelle Fisher, MD, chair of pediatrics at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, said: “Kids need to know that every food they put into their bodies affects them.” So, it’s a great idea to take them shopping to show them what types of food are available so they can also make better choices.
Build habits into a routine – If you make hard rules when trying to make habits stick, it rarely works. Even as an adult, rules always feel like a burden, so building them into a routine can ease the pressure. Explaining why you do something or need to keep it up is an excellent way to show kids the benefits of healthier choices.
Everyday things such as brushing teeth to prevent tooth decay and cavities show them how important it is to look after oral health to prevent future problems. Gentle reminders rather than outright requests may work better to make habits a routine part of the day.
Encourage sports and hobbies – As kids, we used to run around in the street and play on our bikes, but as times have changed, children are more likely to be playing on video games than in the garden. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but moderation on activities is an excellent way to encourage physical activity. Lack of exercise can lead to poor fitness levels in later life, so promoting a balanced and fun way to get moving is a great choice.
Rather than making kids do exercise, encourage them to take up a hobby they love. It could be anything from soccer to swimming, really anything to get the blood pumping. If the budget is a little tight for extracurricular activities, take them to the park to let off some steam.