Three ways to focus on your child’s health
August is National Kids Eat Right month, which makes it a great time of the year to put a little extra focus on your child’s health and wellness. In addition, the kids will be heading back to school soon. This can make it even more important to start building healthy habits now, before other activities start to take over the family schedule.
The things we learn and habits we develop as children can often stay with us into adulthood. Focusing on your child’s health and wellness now can have a positive impact, not just on their childhood, but also on their future adult selves. There are simple things that you can do to make positive changes within your family life.
Here are three tips to help you focus on your child’s health:
Family meal planning/prepping: Include the kids when you are planning and prepping weekly meals. Have them pick out produce items to include with lunch or dinner. Give them simple tasks in the kitchen based on their age and abilities. This will help your kids get more comfortable handling food.
Encourage physical activity: Regular physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Placing limits on screen-time and encouraging activities outside of the house can help create healthy movement habits. Focus on suggesting fun and interesting activities; exercise does not have to be boring. Plan a family activity once a week to help strengthen relationships and get everyone moving.
Be the example: Whether your children admit it or not, they take notice of your own habits and choices. You don’t have to be perfect, but by actively making healthy choices from day-to-day, you can set a good example for your children. This can also make them more receptive to healthy suggestions from you.
No person or family is perfect. But by putting a little extra focus on the health and wellness of your children, you can improve their quality of life. You may even notice positive changes in yourself as well.
You’re invited: Cooking up a great school year
Join Hy-Vee Dietitians Erin Good and Jenn Blaser as well as two pediatricians from The Iowa Clinic to learn how tasty meals can still be convenient and nutritious. Tune in live on Wednesday, August 11 at 4 p.m. on the Mills Civic Hy-Vee Facebook page (@MillsCivicHV) for everything you need to know about starting off a new school year on a healthier note.
The information in this article is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice. Have a question for your Hy-Vee Dietitian? Contact Erin at [email protected] or call her at 515.695.3793. Your question will be answered and may be featured with your permission.
