A healthy, balance diet, getting the right amount of sleep, being both physically and socially active may seem like basic stuff, but this is what makes our kids healthy. As a parent, you can help your children at a young age, establish healthy habits, and hopefully, they will carry these habits throughout their lives. Be an example and make it a positive and enjoyable choice for yourself and your children will see it as just that. Positive and fun, rather than something that they need to do.
- Encourage kids to keep active. They might join a sports team or the local gym, ride their bike, walk the dog, go for a run or help coach a local sports team. The main thing is getting out and having fun.
- How much activity children or young people are willing to do will depend on their interest in being active. Starting small and building up might be what they need.
- Fit physical activity into everyday activities – like walking to school or the shops instead of driving.
- Suggest they exercise with a friend to help keep them motivated.
- Encourage them to try as many different things as they can – art, music, IT, rock climbing, writing poetry – so they can figure out what they’re into.
- Ensure there’s a range of food available at home. Include a variety of healthy foods such as plenty of vegetables, fruit and cereals (like bread, rice and pasta), some lean protein (meat, chicken, fish or tofu) dairy products (milk, yoghurt, cheese) and lots of water. It’s a good idea to avoid fatty foods and foods with lots of sugar in them.
- Get children and young people involved in cooking family meals and making their own lunches. There are countless kid-friendly recipes online – give them a go!
- Help your children and young people create and maintain a sense of belonging to the family, their friends, culture and their community.
- Encourage them to hang out with friends or suggest social activities that might be of interest, such as sports, after-school clubs, playing in a band, listening to music or going to the movies.
- Encourage them to talk about any relationship difficulties they are experiencing. Offer an objective view of the situation without judgment or pushing your own advice.
- Normalise the feelings associated with relationships changes – the good and the bad.
- Encourage your kids to develop a regular sleeping routine by:
- getting up at the same time each morning, even at the weekend
- winding down 30 minutes before going to bed
- avoiding watching TV or playing video games late at night
It's about having a strong support family system will truly benefit your child.
