Healthy Habits for Kids: Tips for Parents by; Hannah Orr, EBCI Tribal Option Care Manager
September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. As the seasons change, families have a wonderful opportunity to build healthier habits together. Currently, approximately 1 in 5 children in the United States have obesity, with even higher rates observed among Native American children. While parents want what is best for their children, knowing where to start can be overwhelming! Children are more likely to adopt habits modeled by those they love and trust, so here are four easy, practical tips you can implement to help support your family’s health journey.
Eat Well and Stay Hydrated.
Healthy foods give children energy, boost their immune systems, strengthen bones and muscles, and allow them to grow properly.
Meats, poultry, fish, and beans are great sources of protein!
Provide familiar and liked fruits and vegetables while adding one new item at a time to help picky eaters.
Encourage water over sugary drinks whenever possible to keep children properly hydrated throughout the day
Play Well and Be Active!
Daily physical activity helps children grown strong, stay healthy, and focus better in school. It also helps build fit muscles and bones, protects against illnesses, and supports a happier mood.
Try to implement regular “aerobic” activity, which is any activity or movement that safely raises the heart rate!
Move together as a family by adding things like evening walks, riding bikes, or playing active games together.
Visit local areas where activity is encouraged, such as the park, playground, basketball courts, etc.
Encourage school or community sports based on what your child is interested in!
Stay Well and Get Plenty of Sleep.
Getting regular adequate sleep allows the body to grow appropriately, repair and restore the brains, restore energy, and also helps our immune systems, which helps keep us from getting sick as often.
Prioritize age-appropriate sleeping hours, as growing children and teens alike require more sleep than adults
Support physical growth, positive daily energy levels, and recovery through a consistent, nightly bedtime routine
Recharge Away from Screens.
Too much screen time is often associated with weight gain, poor sleep and rest, poor mental health, and sometimes even lower grades in school.
Reduce daily screen time by replacing it with fun activities, adopting a hobby, reading, or spending time as a family.
Remember, children often follow examples! Try to limit screen time as a family and replace it with something more beneficial for all
