Raising a happy, healthy child is one of the biggest challenges parents face—and can also be one of the most rewarding. The good news: You don’t have to let busy work schedules, old parenting techniques, or confusing nutrition information discourage you.
Here, we let you in on six strategies that will boost your child’s health and strengthen his capacity to experience joy:
1. Set up a healthy eating environment
Instant meals may be easy to prepare, but the lack of nutritional benefits isn’t worth the seeming convenience. Plus, with Micronutrient Deficiency common in school children, it’s important to help your son or daughter develop good eating habits and learn more about right nutrition. Make it a priority to serve balanced meals so your kids get the nutrients they need for their development. Teach your children to love veggies and fruits, and resist the urge to treat them to junk food and candy.
2. Play with your child
Play is definitely a good form of exercise, so dedicate at least an hour each day to it. This way, your child gets some physical activity—and you get time to bond with him.
3. Cook with your child
Allowing your children to see what goes into each meal makes them recognize what good ingredients are. It’ll also teach them to be more discerning about what makes up a nutritious meal. Teach them to chop and mix, and let them play with pots and pans—these will encourage them to make simple, healthy meals they can recreate on in the future.
4. Unplug the devices
Stepping away from the television and electronic gaming devices will help improve your children’s development. Instead of leaving them with your tablet or mobile phone, set a maximum of two hours of play time with your gadgets. When eating with the family, set a rule: no gadgets on the table, no TV in the dining room. These are effective ways to teach your children to focus on eating and spending time with the family.
5. Be a good example
Actions speak louder than words. Snacking on potato chips in front of the TV, while telling your kid to finish a serving of green, leafy vegetables clearly isn’t a good idea.
6. Give a glass of milk to go with every meal
One glass of BEAR BRAND Powdered Milk Drink has high levels of zinc (to help boost the appetite and promote growth), iron (to help convert food to energy), and 100 percent vitamin C (to help fight off sickness). Who knew one glass a day can be so nutritious?
Introducing your child to nutritious food and good eating practices will help him make sound food choices later on. It’s also a great way to get him started on a long, healthy, and happy life. Nudge your child towards healthy eating habits and he is set for life.
