Kids learn what they see and they do what they know. Building healthy habits when they’re young creates an opportunity for parents to have an impact on their lives that’s potentially perpetual.
Dr 2 Kids, Smita Tandon MD in Fountain Valley, California, encourages all parents to promote healthy living from an early age. With this in mind, we’ve prepared a guide with five strong action points to help you build personalized strategies that create a framework of healthy lifestyle strategies.
When it comes to diet, it’s not only what your child eats and drinks, there’s also, how, how much, and when to consider. Sure, there’s always the challenge of favorite foods and fussy palettes, so look to persistence to instill good habits.
Start with a varied diet built around plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Round it out with reasonable portions of lean proteins and low-fat dairy. Choose healthy oils and, while it’s tempting for those with busy schedules, minimize your reliance on heavily processed foods.
Kids will usually go for the easiest and tastiest snacks on hand, so choose healthy options like fresh fruit or prepared veggies like carrots and celery. Keeping candy and salty snacks on hand creates temptation and undermines forming healthy habits.
Bedtimes can be one of the perennial struggles of parenthood. The healthiest habit to pass on is a positive ritual around sleep. It starts with consistent targets for sleep and waking and follows with creating a calming routine toward the end of their day.
Depending on your child, choose quiet time, reading, or whatever activities settle your child down from their busy day. Make bedrooms screen-free, and encourage autonomy with bedtimes as they display the ability to manage this responsibly.
With a child’s energy, encourage at least a daily hour of activity, including walks, biking, active play, sports, or anything that encourages a variety of movement and, for sustainability, fun. Making activity a family project creates a good framework.
Water throughout the day is an important health consideration that’s often overlooked. Creating the habit of using refillable bottles helps make hydration easier, before the temptation arises to use soda and sugary drinks to quench thirst.
Younger children struggle to describe their emotional state, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid the topic. Ask about their emotions and stresses and teach basic coping tools like deep breathing and taking breaks from frustration.
To be approachable as a parent, you need to encourage connection before it’s needed, so that your child reflexively turns to you with emotional wellness concerns.
Dr. Tandon and her team are always ready to help with ideas and suggestions when you hit a habit roadblock. Call or click to book an in-person or telehealth appointment with Dr 2 Kids, Smita Tandon MD today.
