Setting a Good Example: Five Healthy Habits We Can Teach To Children

As parents we’re forever overwhelmed with guilt, we compare ourselves and are constantly wondering if we’re doing thing right. When it comes down to it, none of us are perfect- however if you put your children first and do the best you can, you’re for sure winning as a parent. But we all know there are things we need to be careful of, children are very impressionable and so leading by example (as opposed to ‘do as I say, not as I do’) parenting is important. We all want our children to go on and lead happy, healthy and successful lives so it’s definitely something to be aware of. Here are some of the ways you can set a good example to children when it comes to health.

Avoiding Smoking

Smoking around children is incredibly harmful, there are all kinds of dangers when it comes to passive smoking. But even if you don’t let them breathe the fumes, having cigarettes around normalises the habit and it’s something they’re more likely to pick up themselves later on. Quit smoking for your own health, as well as to set a good example for children. You can learn more about why vape ban australia.  You could switch to vaping first, not only is this healthier but you can reduce the nicotine gradually making it easier to finally break the habit.

Enjoying Healthy Food

We all know children can be picky eaters, and as parents it can be frustrating. We know they need these vitamins and minerals to thrive, so when they refuse to eat things it can leave you at the edge of your tether. But getting annoyed and creating a tense atmosphere at dinner time will only make things worse. Try and keep things light and relaxed, let them see you filling up on healthy foods and in time they’re likely to go on to mirror your behaviour. Instead of children and adults eating separately, all eat together and create family friendly meals that everyone will enjoy. If you know your child is iffy about things like vegetables and won’t touch them at all, you could come up with recipes that disguise them effectively.

Using a food processor, very finely dice a selection of vegetables and cook these with ground meat. This bulks it out and adds lots of nutrients without hugely affecting the taste or texture- once everything is cooked with spices and sauce added kids will be none the wiser. This could be used for lasagna, bolognese, chilli or anything else you fancy. From a different perspective, research has shown that children in families that ate dinner together three or more times a week were less likely to go on to take drugs, have teen pregnancies or get a criminal record. It sounds like an unlikely link, but logically families who eat together tend to be closer. It’s a time for chatting and bonding, when children feel close to their parents they’re more likely to talk to them about any problems. So when they face things like peer pressure it’s less of an issue, so another great reason to eat together as a family.

Drinking Alcohol in Moderation

Alcohol is something that plays a role in many of our lives. When we’re celebrating or getting together with friends, it’s something that can be enjoyed. Drinking responsibly during these special occasions paves the way for your children’s attitudes towards it. It shows them later in life that they too can drink sensibly and responsibly, and as an adult can enjoy alcohol without going overboard.

Having Fun Exercising

In a day in age where kids are mesmerized by their phones and computers, it can be increasingly difficult to get them to participate in the vigorous activity they need to stay fit and keep their bodies strong. But one way you can go about this is by making exercise fun. Get the whole family involved- in the summer you could hire a bouncy castle and all jump on it, or run around and have a water fight. You could throw a frisbee or kick a ball around the park. You could go swimming, visit a trampoline park, go to laser tag or paintball – just make sure you’re using paintball goggles! You could go on long hikes with your dog or on bike rides together. Pack a healthy picnic lunch and make a day of it.

Knowing When To Relax

Finally, highlight the importance of relaxation time. Time to wind down, clear your mind and de-stress. You might think that life is easy for a child, but when they’re constantly learning new things, making and breaking friends, being forced into all kinds of new situations such as starting new classes and joining new hobbies it can be a lot to deal with. You could create time in the evening devoted to reading or a quiet activity such as colouring. Showing them how to unwind in this way can set them up for healthy habits later on.

** This is a collaborative post **