As a kid, I’ve learned from my mom and dad that having healthy habits when you’re young can make you a healthy adult when you’re older. So, I try to make sure that I spend time every day on developing habits that I know will keep me really healthy for my whole life. I want to be as healthy as possible so that I can grow strong and live a long life, so this may help make your children strong and healthy too!
I’m still a kid, but I already feel like I’m getting used to what’s good for me, and what’s not so good. That’s why I thought I’d share some of the most important habits I’ve learned with you, so your kids can become strong grown-ups too! If your children have already developed these habits, keep up the good work!
Eat fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods every day
What kids eat every day is important to help them stay healthy and strong and give them energy to play, learn, and grow. Kids should have at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day—more if they can. They should make sure to try all different types of food and vegetables to discover which ones they like, even the ones they don’t think that they’d like, but do.
Fruits and vegetables are really good for you because they have loads of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and folate that help you stay healthy. Fruits and vegetables are also good for preventing bad digestion because of the fibre they contain, and they also help you keep a healthy weight.
Don’t smoke
Help your kids understand why they should not smoke cigarettes or vape when they are older. What I’ve learned is that smoking can be addictive and can cause cancer, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, strokes, and more. Smoking can also increase the risks of problems with the immune system, and it can damage airways and the small air sacs in the lungs, making it hard to breathe. People who smoke might have breathing difficulties, and their lungs can be scarred and damaged.
Exercise and play every day
It’s really healthy for kids to play and exercise every day because it will help them grow strong and build muscles. It’s also very important because it will help reduce the risk of dangerous health problems such as heart disease and cancer. Playing and exercising every day can also help kids control their weight and help lower the possibility of anxiety and depression. It can also help them to get better grades in school because it can improve their concentration and memory.
Don’t spend too much time on a screen
Limiting screen time for your kids is highly recommended because too much screen time can lead to health problems including weight gain and bad sleeping habits. Too much screen time can influence young children’s brains and doesn’t give them enough time to use their imagination and play. Screens can be a lot of fun, and can even be educational, but kids can find it hard to stop. Doctors recommend that kids should not spend more than an hour or two a day on them.
Get enough sleep
Studies have shown that children who get a good amount of sleep have improved listening, attention, memory, and mental and physical health. Children who do not get enough sleep can later develop high blood pressure, depression, or obesity. You can help kids get enough sleep by limiting their screen time before bed and, instead, reading to them. Warm baths are really helpful too.
Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is very important because poor hydration can lead to serious medical problems, headaches, and poor digestion. Our bodies are mostly made of water, so it’s important to have a lot throughout each day. Hydration also helps keep a child’s joints, teeth, and bones healthy, and it even helps blood circulate. Water is also very important to keep the body at a certain temperature, keep joints lubricated, help prevent infections, produce nutrients to the cells, and help organs function properly.
Spend time with people who make you happy
It’s good for your child to have positive relationships, like the relationships they have with friends and family. When kids spend time with people they feel good around, it can help build self-esteem. When they feel valued by their friends or parents, they feel better about themselves. You can teach your kids about positive relationships by spending time with them, asking about their lives and how they feel, and building trust with them.
This may be surprising to some readers, but positivity or happiness is also good for your children. If they can learn to look on the bright side, perhaps their lives will be a little more positive. Negativity can cause problems such as loneliness and grumpiness. If your child is cranky or grumpy, then it might be hard for them to stay friends with their buddies, and they’ll find it hard to learn and enjoy their life.
Thank you for taking the time to read my article! I hope you enjoyed it and will consider teaching these habits to your children so that they can grow up to be healthy and strong, with the skills to teach their own kids how to be healthy one day.
Avery Peternell is a 10-year-old, grade 4 student who loves to read and write and has a passion for grammar and literacy. She aspires to be a best-selling author! Avery also loves cats and almost every kind of animal.
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