6 Healthy Habits to Teach Your Kids While They’re Young

The habits that you help your children develop while they are young can help them stay healthy as they become adults. You can affect the rest of your kids’ lives by teaching them healthy habits. Here are some of the most important healthy habits to teach your kids while they are young. 

Teach the Importance of Drinking Enough Water

Too many adults go through life without drinking the amount of water that they should. Getting your kids into a habit like that of drinking the recommended amount of water each day can help them feel good and stay healthy when they are adults. Make sure you don’t buy too much soda or juice for your kids. Encourage them to reach for water first. Many kids grow up drinking soda frequently, but having soda as a special treat will help your kids prioritize drinking water first. 

Teach the Importance of Getting Enough Sleep

Children often dislike bedtime, but getting rest is important. Lead by example as you teach your children the importance of taking time to rest. Make sure you stick to a set bedtime schedule each day. This will help your kids get in the habit of going to bed early and waking up early. This will benefit them in their adult years. 

Start a Habit of Going to Regular Doctor and Dentist Appointments

Some avoid going to the doctor or dentist as adults because they have a fear of that. When you take your children to the pediatrician or the family dentist, you help them get used to that kind of experience and develop a habit that will help them stay healthy all through life. Make sure you take your kids to the doctor annually and schedule dental cleanings every six months. 

Teach Kids to Talk About Their Feelings

Kids have big emotions, and each struggle that they face can feel unbearable to them. Teach kids to talk about their feelings and to let others know when they are uncomfortable or sad. Spend time talking with your kids and sharing your own emotions with them so that they will know that it is okay to let others know when they are unhappy. You can also lead by example by being open about your own emotions to your kids. They will appreciate the vulnerability in their later years. 

Help Kids Incorporate Fruits and Vegetables in Their Diet

Eating right can help a person feel good. Help your kids eat right by getting them into the habit of consuming both fruits and vegetables on a regular basis. Find ways to make trying new foods fun, and help your kids figure out how they will get the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables each day. Try making smoothies for your kids at first if they don’t want to eat fruits and vegetables on their own. Experiment with different types of fruits and vegetables to see which ones your kids like best. 

Teach Kids to Exercise Daily

The habit of exercising is one that can help a person all through life. Developing that habit in your kids while they are young can lead them to take time for exercise even when they are busy adults. Encourage your kids to do physical activities that they enjoy. Get them interested in hobbies that keep them active and enroll them in different types of sports. 

You have the ability to shape your kids and affect their future health. Think about the healthy habits that you want them to have as adults and how you can teach those habits to them while they are young.