How To Give Your Kids A Healthy Lifestyle

In today’s modern world, it is becoming increasingly common for children to grow up from a young age as either overweight, unfit or unhealthy. In the US, obesity affects over 13.7 million children. For those aged between 2-5, 13.9 percent have weight issues, not counting the number of those who are just generally unhealthy or unfit. In order to make sure that your children don’t become another statistic as they grow older, follow this guide to help you and your young ones combat obesity before it strikes. 

Make Sure That They Have the Correct Diet

For growing children, a healthy diet is key to making sure they are in the best state physically and mentally as they get older. This means that if your child always has a bag of chips in his or her hand, then you need to take it away and be tough on what they eat, as prolonged consumption of junk foods can quickly lead to obesity which causes other problems in later life such as self-esteem issues and anxiety. Anxiety can become a serious issue in adulthood, so it is better to tackle it head on. 

If your child likes to snack, and you find it too easy to let them have what they want to avoid confrontation, it doesn’t mean that you should give in to them; you’re the parent, and you make the rules. Instead, how about giving them a pack of grapes, sliced pears, oatmeal or a fruit smoothie? These foods, among others, are great substitutes for the unhealthy snacks that are all too prevalent in our lives, while they all maintain the conveniences of being cheap and easy to find. Don’t feel like you have to make complicated dishes for every snack time.

Less Screen Time, More Sleep Time

When your child spends hours each day sat watching kids’ shows on the TV or tablet, they are not doing themselves any good. While some people will say they should instead be outside playing, while that is partly true, it’s not always practical. It is understandable that you may be busy with chores inside the house, and the easiest thing is to put them in the room next door with the television on, but studies show that too much screen time can hurt a child’s eyesight long-term. If they usually stay up while you get things done, consider putting them to bed early.

If your children are older, then consider limiting their screen time with timers so that when the allocated time is up, all screens go off. Then make sure that they get to sleep earlier than usual too, as they need around 10 hours of sleep to stay healthy. Sleep is one of the most vital processes in the human body as it allows for grown and repair. Limiting your child’s screen time and increasing their sleep time will be extremely beneficial to them, especially if your young one is studying for a test, as nothing beats a decent night’s sleep.

Consider Contacting a Pediatrician

Having a good pediatrician is important for your child’s health, as they are expertly trained to diagnose and treat any illnesses they might have while growing up, so you never have to worry what that cough means. A good pediatrician will maintain their role as your child’s personal doctor up until they are 18 years old, so they will have a connection over time which will allow them to make better and more accurate diagnoses. It is a good investment if your young one’s health is your priority. If you are looking for the best pediatrician, then consider contacting a reputable clinic like Katy Memorial Pediatrics who have a number of testimonials on their website to showcase their excellency. Because the doctors here are trained for diseases and ailments specific to youths and infants, then they are the better option rather than just waiting for a problem to arise and speaking to a different doctor every time you visit. Seeing a new doctor or nurse each time can make the whole process very alien and uncomfortable for your kid, so why not have them checked by someone who you and your little ones trust?

Just be a Good Role Model

The biggest thing to remember here is that your actions shape the way your children will turn out - after all, they learn from example! That is why you must also follow the advice by cutting down on unhealthy foods, getting more sleep and being more active yourself, as these are all good ways to encourage your kids to be healthier and more active. It is common among many families that if the parents are overweight, then so are the children, and vice versa. So, you need to take a look at yourself and be the person that you want your kids to be.