Happy April! As we move our bodies right into this month, we are focusing on the topics Purpose, Habits/Rituals, and reviewing Strengths. The foundation of a healthy life starts at the very beginning and you can help by teaching your children (and family) to make healthy choices, take care of their body, personal hygiene, and making emotional health and happiness a priority.
For lifelong benefits, here are 15 Healthy Habits for your children and family.
- Exercise- move your body every day, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. Take a walk, ride bikes, go on a scavenger hunt, or kick the ball around the yard. Not only does exercise help with your mind, body, and emotional balance, it also helps families connect.
- Making Healthy Food Choices- Taste buds change frequently, so encourage your child to take a “No Thank You Bite”. A fun activity to do together would be cooking new food or even starting a garden together. Children are more likely to try new foods if they are helping in the kitchen.
- Cut out Sugar and Soda- While having the occasional cookie or piece of cake at a party is ok, be mindful of what is going into your body as well as your child’s. Look for foods that have natural sugars that are found in real, unprocessed foods.
- Drink Water- Find your favorite water bottle for you and your child to quench your thirst instead of juices or sodas.
- Wash those Hands- Especially this time of year, get into the habit (if you haven’t already) to wash your hands after using the bathroom, visiting places, coming in from outside, before eating. If you are unable to wash your hands, be sure to carry some hand sanitizer in your bag or purse.
- Brush and Floss Your Teeth- The health of your oral health is directly related to your overall health, so brush and floss every single day! Make sure you and your child are visiting the dentist twice a year for your checkups. Have your children pick out their favorite toothbrush, it will make brushing much more fun!
- Sleep- It’s so important to a child’s growth and development. Create a consistent nightly routine for your little ones and limit screen time at night.
- Make Sure to Eat Breakfast- This is what fuels your body every single morning. Be sure to make time to have breakfast daily.
- Take some Time out to Rest- Be sure to take some time to rest your mind and body. We live in a world where we are constantly running from here to there. Find time to relax and have some family downtime. Read a book, play a board game, sit outside and listen to nature.
- Protect Yourself from the Sun- Warm weather is quickly approaching, so be sure you’re keeping your skin protected. Some options for coverage are sunscreen as well as hats, sunglasses, and wearing light cotton long sleeve shirts.
- Basic Hygiene Habits- Along with creating a nightly routine for sleep as well as brushing your teeth twice a day, be sure your child is having regular baths where they are washing their hair and body with soap. If needed, include lotion and deodorant as well.
- Spending time with family- Building a positive home and environment for your family is so important. Creating family traditions, whether it’s game night every Friday night or bonfire and pizza on the weekends, or even taking a road trip once a month can really benefit the relationships and bond that will last forever.
- Healthy Relationships- Not only are making traditions and connections important, but it’s also important to have a healthy relationship with your family where they feel comfortable coming to you when they are feeling any sort of way. Healthy relationships are supportive, encouraging, honest, loving, and trusting.
- Body and Safety Awareness- Be sure to discuss with your children every day about body awareness as well as safety awareness. Daily conversations can help your child understand and recognize unsafe people or situations.
- Reading- While reading during downtime is important, reading, in general, is so important as well. Incorporate reading into your schedule every single day, whether it’s right before bedtime or throughout the day. Encourage your little one to pick up a book on their own and “read” the pictures.
“It’s the small habits. How you spend your mornings. How you talk to yourself. What you read. What you eat. Who you share your energy with. That will change your life.”
Be sure to come back next week as we continue to discuss the topics Purpose, Habits/Rituals, and Strengths!!
