When you have a family, keeping the family healthy and happy is one of your top priorities. That’s not to say that trying to keep this balance is easy, because, in fact, it can be quite challenging with the unique needs of each family member to deal with. The majority of children go through a fussy stage and even if they enjoy their food, getting the right type of nutrients in their mouth can sometimes be a struggle. Alongside this, you have to make sure they get enough fresh air and move enough instead of staring at the TV for hours on end. This list is endless, but there are heaps of ways to encourage the right choices through their childhood so they can make the best decisions in later life.
Take a look at some of the ways you can help your family lead a happier and healthier lifestyle.
Encourage healthy food options
It’s ok to have a treat now and then but restricting the number of unhealthy foods they eat a week can help them steer clear of bad choices. Making mealtimes interesting will encourage kids to get involved with the cooking, and using yourself as a role model will ensure that you are also eating the same foods that you prepare for them. Sometimes convenience foods might sneak into your grocery shopping but finding the time to make meals and plan these times will get the whole family into a better routine. There will be times that the kids might not like your creations but getting them to test it as you cook can bring them in on the experience, and tailor it to their taste buds. That’s not to say they can whack tons of sugar in it though!
Get everyone outside more
It can be difficult to motivate kids into taking part in sports or activities if their favorite thing is to sit and play video games. But fitness and exercise are essential for overall health and alongside eating healthy will ensure they stay at a healthy weight for their age group. This helps not only the kids but also mum and dad too, as getting out and exercising can sometimes be put on the backburner when you have children. If you’re stuck for ideas, take everyone to the park for a game of soccer or a mini-game of baseball to get the blood pumping. If you have bikes, go on a cycle ride together around the local area or hop in the car and discover somewhere new for the day. There is plenty to do to get everyone moving that little bit more each day, and if you just don’t have time, try and walk to school rather than take the car, as this can get your fitness levels up without too much effort.
Get children into a good sleep routine
Sleep is not only essential for you, but it is especially important for kids that are always on the go. This rest time will help them to rejuvenate during the night and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead (even if that is at 6 am!). By getting everyone into a good bedtime routine such as getting washed up and teeth brushed for tucking in at 7 pm, this will ensure they know the boundaries; even they attempt to push them on occasion. If your child has issues with falling asleep or struggles to stay in bed all night, there could be a host of reasons for this, but comfort is also a common reason that is often overlooked. Just like adults, having a good supportive mattress is vital for getting a good night’s sleep whether you are 10 or 60. Take a look at their current bed and see if you need to replace it with something more suitable. You can check out a range of examples online and see how having the best mattress for your kids will help you have sweet dreams too.
Be a good role model
It can be challenging to be a good role model 100 percent of the time, as little slipups and stressful moments can take your eye off the ball. Being a good role model also doesn’t mean you have to be perfect all the time either, as successes and failures need to be considered in equal measure, as nothing in life goes right all the time. By showing your children how you handle everyday situations, it will help them appreciate harder times in life and celebrate the best times. It also helps if you can avoid doing things that you’ve explicitly told your kids not to do, as this can often make them do things behind your back. If something is suitable for adults only, then there’s also nothing wrong with explaining the reasons why they can’t do it but just ignoring this and stamping a restriction on it will make kids rebel against the rule.
Promote positive social interactions
As children grow up, they begin to meet different people in their life especially in a school environment. These relationships are beneficial for how they grow as people and encouraging positive influences can help them become stronger, compassionate and more resilient adults. This time also builds their tolerance levels and gives them to the tools to resolve conflict in a constructive way. There will be times where you are needed for support in these situations but lending an ear rather than forcing advice will help kids make their own decisions even if they don’t turn out as expected. Creating new relationships is a learning curve, and your support and encouragement in this area will help them flourish into adulthood.
There are so many ways to help your family lead a better lifestyle, which in turn makes them happier and healthier. It’s important to not only focus on your children but also of that of you and your partner to ensure you are also able to enjoy life alongside your family. By making small changes, you will be able to ride the ups and downs with ease.
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