Healthy habits instilled early form an important foundation for supporting a child’s optimal growth and development. Following a healthy lifestyle doesn’t just affect physical health—it also plays a major role in children’s future mental and emotional development.
On the other hand, parents play a crucial role in creating an environment that supports a healthy lifestyle for their children, which will empower them to enjoy a healthy life. Therefore, it’s important to start teaching your child some of these healthy habits from an early age so they get used to doing them, become more self-aware, and understand how to maintain their health. According to the website "webmd," here are some healthy habits to instill in children from an early age:
Hand Washing
Washing hands with soap and water can prevent children from getting sick. Often, children touch their eyes, nose, and mouth without realizing it, making it easier for germs to enter the body. Also, germs on your hands can transfer to food or drink when preparing meals for your kids. So teach your children to wash their hands after using the bathroom, playing outside, wiping their nose, and before eating. Correct hand-washing technique is also important to get the full benefit.
Getting Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is important for a child’s growth. Children aged 3 to 6 years need about 10 to 13 hours of sleep daily to grow well. Lack of sleep can also affect a child’s mood, endurance, and concentration at school. Therefore, establish a consistent bedtime routine, such as going to bed and waking up at the same time daily, and avoid electronic devices before sleep.
Managing Stress
Mental health is important, and children can also experience stress from school pressures, environmental changes, or family changes. It is important for parents to teach children how to manage stress well. Simple ways include teaching deep breathing, talking about feelings, or channeling emotions through creative activities like drawing or writing.
Covering Mouth and Nose When Coughing or Sneezing
Teach children to use tissues to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing to prevent germs from spreading to others. If they don’t have a tissue, teach them to cough or sneeze into their elbow. If your child has a cough or flu, it’s best to always have tissues on hand.
Drinking Enough Water
Drinking enough water helps keep your child’s body hydrated and functioning properly. However, many children prefer sugary drinks over water, even though excessive sugar intake can increase the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes later. Children aged 4 to 8 should drink about 1.2 liters of water daily, while children 9 to 13 need about 1.6 liters. Parents should ensure their children bring water bottles to school to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Regular Exercise
It is important to teach children to “take care” of their bodies from a young age, and one way is through regular exercise. Regular physical activity can protect children from obesity and other diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Avoid forcing specific sports on your child; instead, ask what they enjoy. For example, if they like water activities, swimming could be great. When a child enjoys a sport, they will happily practice it regularly.
Eating Fruits and Vegetables
Many parents complain that their children refuse fruits and vegetables between ages 2 and 6, even though these foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber the body needs. The nutrients in fruits and vegetables help children grow and develop optimally, improve endurance, and ease digestion. If your child refuses fruits or vegetables, try varying the menu and presenting foods attractively. You can also let your child choose their favorite fruits and veggies.
Though these habits may seem minor, practicing them from an early age will help children adopt them through adolescence.
In conclusion, teaching children about a healthy lifestyle early on is essential for helping them grow into healthy, independent individuals with a strong foundation for a healthier life in the future.
Parents have a major role in setting an example and guiding their children to apply these healthy habits daily. By using a consistent and fun approach, children will find it easier to accept and maintain a healthy lifestyle as part of their routine.
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