Parenting Help: Inspire Children to Stay Healthy

A sound mind lives in a sound body.

With almost all children relying on pre-packaged meals and fast food to satisfy their appetite, the percentage of obese kids is increasing. Also the growing interest of children in video games and ignorance towards the active outdoor sports has made them vulnerable to many health risks and other associated disorders.

In the last few years, parents have started to pay more attention towards the nutrition and exercise for children. They are now motivating their kids to eat balanced diet and play outdoor games like basketball and baseball to stay fit and healthy. However, it has always been a tough task to keep inspiring children to eat and do what they don’t typically like.

The parenting tips and advice that follows helps parents to raise health conscious children:

Teach them by quoting examples   

You can inspire your kids by quoting examples of their favorite star, player, or even a character from their comic or video game. You can tell them all these persons are strong and brave because they eat healthy food and exercise daily. Comparisons with role models will motivate kids to adopt healthy habits as kids like to emulate their idols.

Generate awareness about adverse effects of junk food

Children are receptive and much intelligent than we assume them to be. If you patiently explain to them the harmful effects of junk food, you will find your kids more than willing to say ‘no’ to junk fatty foods such as chips, pizzas, burgers, et al. 

Schools nowadays go the extra mile to generate awareness about health issues such as obesity, cholesterol in kids, diabetes and other such lifestyle ailments among children.  As parents, do your bit to take this awareness further by educating your child about what food affects his health and how.

Help your child develop clean habits

Cleanliness and hygiene is an integral part of good health.  Develop these habits in your kids as part of their everyday lifestyle. When your child refuses to start her meals or even bite into a chocolate without first washing her hands, you would know that the habit is growing firmly in place.

Share activities as a family

Take your child out for a walk with you or go for a treasure hunt game with your entire family or play a game  with your children. While playing, make sure you tell him/her the benefits of playing outdoor games and sports. It will not only help you promote healthy lifestyle but will also better your child parent relationships.

Do not force your kid

Though it is essential to teach healthy habits to children, you should never try to impose your wish on him/her. Learning through inspiration is effective and permanent. Watching motivational videos with your child can also prove helpful to induce learning and positive behavior in children.