Raising healthy kids in today’s world can feel overwhelming, even for seasoned parents. It’s not impossible to do if you approach it pragmatically and lead by example. Consider these five straightforward ways from Vitality Family Chiropractic to naturally encourage your kids to make healthy life choices.
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Encourage Extracurricular Activities
Kids need physical and intellectual stimulation outside of school. Enrolling them in extracurricular activities such as team sports or martial arts can help them develop positive social skills as well as bolster self-esteem. When used appropriately to help them grow and not to overburden or overschedule them, martial arts and other sports provide numerous benefits for kids and teens. They get to experience challenges, learn new things while making friends and enjoy the fruits of success, all while getting in some physical activity and building stronger muscles and bodies.
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Purchase Healthier Food Options
To help your kids choose food options that will aid their growing brains and bodies, purchase food options more healthy than junk food. The less sugary and nutrient-deficient choices you have in the house, the more likely your kids will choose to eat something that is better for them. Whole grains, B vitamins, fruits and vegetables are all great food options to have on hand. Include healthy servings of choice, nutritionally dense dishes at home meal times as well.
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Have Screen-Free Zones or Time Blocks
The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry notes that kids spend four to six hours a day on screens. Not only does this potentially expose your kids to advertising and negative content, but excessive TV and computer use can lead to trouble sleeping, affect academic achievement and contribute to obesity.
You can encourage kids to be healthier by setting screen limits of two hours or less and knowing what your children are watching when they use screens. There are a number of helpful apps that keep screen time in check, according to DFWCHILD. Look into programs for desktop computers like Qustodio that control your kid’s screen time by device as well as monitor activity on social media, block inappropriate content, and limit games. Other apps include FamiSafe, ScreenTime and ZenScreen.
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Demonstrate Healthy Habits Yourself
The National Institutes of Health points to studies suggesting that children of parents who are strong role models are 10 times more likely to engage in healthy habits such as eating daily recommended servings of vegetables and fruit. Demonstrating healthy habits may mean more than having your children see you eat well.
It’s also never too early to talk to your kids about their future and what they want to do. You can be a good role model by pursuing your own career and education achievements by going back to school for a master’s program. For example, you can build logic, data structure, AI and computer theory skills by earning an online computer science degree. Pursuing an online business degree can help you develop writing, time management, financial and communication skills. More importantly, you set a good educational example that will benefit your kids.
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Supplement with Chiropractic Care
Whether your child suffers from asthma, developmental delays or ADHD, or if you just want to incorporate new ways to help them achieve optimal health, consider taking them for regular chiropractic care. Visits to the chiropractor have been proven to be highly beneficial for children, and offices like Vitality Family Chiropractic offer pediatric solutions for newborns and up. Our practitioners have specialized training and are certified to work in pediatric chiropractic, and we have experience working with children that most other chiropractors don’t have. Plus, we have a welcoming environment from the moment you walk in the door and unparalleled patient care. Children of all ages will feel comfortable and relaxed during their visit and walk out feeling healthier and revitalized!
- Involve Yourself in Their Lives in a Healthy Way
It can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking your life should look and feel a specific way. Every family is different, and it’s important to set aside what you think a perfect family is and engage with your loved ones in the moment. Take time to be with your kids and avoid the urge to dismiss or quickly fix their problems or struggles.
By making the effort to be present and model healthier habits in a meaningful way in your life, you demonstrate a healthy parent-child relationship as well as let your children know you care about them. Today is the perfect day to get started on raising healthy kids.