According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cementing healthy habits among children is a more effective way to prevent chronic diseases from manifesting during adulthood than beginning later in life. However, it’s no secret that kids nowadays are more sedentary than ever.
With an increased focus on screen time and a decrease in organized sports and physical activity in schools, it’s more important than ever to ensure that your kids are aware of their health. But promoting healthy habits doesn’t have to be a chore! Here are five fun things you can do with your kids.
1. Get moving!
Being active with your kids is a great way to teach them healthy habits. Not only will they get some exercise, but they’ll also learn about the importance of being active and staying healthy. Here are a few ideas for ways to be active with your kids:
- Go for a walk or bike ride together. This is a nice way to get fresh air while spending time together. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to highlight things like flowers and trees.
- Play catch, hopscotch, or other simple games. These activities provide light exercise while teaching kids to follow the rules and have fun.
- Get involved in organized sports. This is a great way to teach kids about teamwork and competition while getting some exercise. If you’re unsure where to start, check with your local parks and recreation department for organized sports programs in your area.
Leading by example is one of the best ways to keep your kids active. Not only will being active with your kids give them some much-needed exercise, but it will also be a quality bonding time for the whole family.
2. Make it a game!
If your kids are reluctant to get up and move, try making it into a game. See who can do the most jumping jacks in a minute, race each other to see who can throw a ball the farthest, or play tag around the house. The possibilities are endless!
For example, going to the dentist can be a scary experience for kids, especially if they’ve never been before. But what if there is a way to make the dental office visit a little less daunting and much more fun? That’s where games come in. Plenty of options are available, from simple memory games to more complex board games.
So next time you’re looking for a fun way to teach your kids healthy habits, consider breaking out a board game or two. Who knows, you might just have some fun yourself!
3. Get outside!
There are plenty of reasons to get your kids outside and explore nature. Not only is it a great way to get some exercise, but it can also be fun to teach them healthy habits. For example, you can use nature walks to teach your kids the importance of proper nutrition.
You can also use them as an opportunity to teach your kids about the importance of sunscreen and hydration. And if you really want to get creative, you can even use nature walks to teach your kids about the importance of recycling and conserving our natural resources.
So next time you’re looking for a fun way to spend some time with your kids, consider taking them on a nature walk. It’s a great way to teach them and have some fun at the same time.
4. Dance it out!
Music is a great way to get everyone in the family moving. Put on some of your favorite tunes and have a dance party right in your living room! Not only is dancing a great workout, but it’s also a lot of fun.
For instance, you can help them develop a sense of rhythm and coordination by dancing together. You can also use dance to show them how to make healthy food choices by choosing songs with lyrics about healthy foods like fruits and vegetables.
As an added bonus, they’ll be less likely to want to sit in front of the TV or play video games all day. So go ahead and bust a move with your kids today — it’s good for their bodies and their minds!
5. Be creative!
There are endless possibilities when it comes to promoting healthy habits with your kids. Get involved in their school’s wellness program, start a garden together, or sign up for a cooking class that focuses on healthy eating.
You can also try painting together, working on a sculpture project, or even just drawing pictures. Whatever you do, make sure that you take the time to explain the importance of healthy habits to your kids as you work. For instance, you can talk about the importance of washing your hands after you’re done painting or of eating a healthy snack before you start working on a project.
The options are limitless — get creative and have fun with it!
Remember that developing healthy habits should be fun — not a chore! By finding activities you and your family enjoy, you’ll be well on your way to promoting lifelong wellness for everyone involved.