Parent's Guide to Healthy Children
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Trying to Raise Healthy Children?
Being the parent or other responsible adult in our home means being our kids' primary role model, pretty much indefinitely.
You have a tremendous impact on eating habits. After all, you buy the food. You handle much of its preparation and set the tone during meals.
Every day - whether you intend to or not - you teach your kids what to eat and drink. They'll see the foods and beverages you choose and how much or how little you put into your own body, and they will model your behavior.
You shape physical activity for your family by example too. Kids are more likely to limit TV and computer "screen time" if you do, and if they have fun family alternatives. They'll be more likely to listen to your request to "go outside and play!" if you join in sometimes. They'll learn that exercise is a natural, necessary - even fun - part of life when they see you engaging in a regular exercise routine.
You don't have to be perfect. In fact, kids learn more when they see you working through frustrations, mistakes or setbacks. When you say, "I'd love to have two slices of cake but I'll have one," they'll get the message that you're making healthier choices too.
Table of Contents
Practice What You Preach...
Tips for Healthy Kids
Healthy Habits
Healthy eating and physical activity don't become habits overnight. It takes time and effort to make them part of a daily routine. Here are some ideas, to get you started.1. Get your whole family involved
Family; it's a major part of every child's life-and often the most important factor in helping a child make healthy changes. Research shows children are often more willing to eat healthy foods and be active if they see their parents and other family members doing these things first. That's why it's important to get every member of your family involved in healthy eating and physical activity.
2. Set realistic goals
When you make changes step-by-step and set realistic goals, you are more likely to succeed in reaching them. It's best to set goals for healthy eating and physical activity that apply to the entire family.
3. Make the Most out of family mealtime
Eating meals together gives you a chance to help your child develop a healthy attitude toward food. It also enables you to serve as a healthy eating role model, ensure that your kids are eating nutritious foods, introduce your family to new foods, establish a regular meal schedule and keep in touch with family members.
4. Make sure your child eats a balanced diet
Every child needs appropriate amounts of calories, proteins, minerals and vitamins to grow. The best way to ensure kids get what they need while maintaining or losing weight is to provide a variety of nutritious foods that are low in fat and sugar. The food pyramid is a general guide for a balanced diet.
5. Get active
As with healthy eating, kids are more likely to want to be active when other family members are active too. Find ways to build physical activity-step-by-step-into your family routine.
Top Choices to Help Your Children Stay Active
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You Can Help Your Children Make The Right Choices!
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Healthy Eating
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Healthy, Happy Children!
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Posted June 25, 2009
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Posted May 20, 2009
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Posted May 15, 2009
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