There’s nothing more precious than a child. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone who values our community’s youth, you know that kids deserve to feel healthy and happy. But what can we actually do to keep them that way? There are some steps we can all take to keep kids healthy, but just doing the basics doesn’t necessarily set kids up for long-term health. That’s why we’ve created this quick guide to helping kids get mentally and physically healthy – and empowering them to actually maintain those practices into adulthood.
Covering the basics.
There are a lot of ways to help keep kids healthy that you probably already know. We don’t want to spend too much time delving into the basics, but we don’t want to skip them entirely, either. So here’s a quick reminder of the essentials for children’s health:
- Make proper hand washing a regular practice.
- Eat healthily. Meals should consist primarily of whole, non-processed foods.
- Help them get sufficient sleep.
- Check that kids’ backpacks fit correctly and aren’t too heavy.
- Find ways to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.
- Pay attention to kids’ moods so you can identify mental health issues early on.
Sound familiar? We thought it might. But looking over that list, you’re probably realizing that most of those are easier said than done. You can get your kid to bed by 8 pm, but that doesn’t mean he or she will immediately, peacefully drift off to sleep. So let’s talk about some practical, effective ways to keep kids healthy.
Inspiring healthy habits.
You know the saying. Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach him to fish, he’s covered for life. This applies to kids and a healthy lifestyle. It’s one thing to force your child to eat vegetables day after day. It’s another thing to help him or her learn about the human body and all the important ways fresh, whole foods fuel us. (Plus, as a parent, getting kids into healthy habits they actually enjoy can be a sanity-saver.)
So what can you do to inspire healthy habits in your kids – and motivate them to actually keep them? Here are a few tips.
Talk.
No, really. It could be that simple. Your kids might not understand why you want them to play outside every day or why washing their hands is important. Letting them ask any questions they may have – and taking the time to come up with thoughtful answers – can make all the difference.
Watch.
Keep an eye on your kids – and not just to keep them out of trouble. If you notice that your child suddenly feels extra tired or loses interest in something that was previously exciting, it could be an indicator of stress or another mental health challenge. Staying in tune with your kids can help you identify these issues early on so you can walk through them with your son or daughter.
Model.
Your kids aren’t going to be very motivated to lead healthy lives if they see you stressing every day or eating junk food. And don’t forget, mental health is just as important as physical health. Modeling a healthy lifestyle for your kids looks like practicing self-care and being aware of your own mental state. Plus, when you’re mindful of your own all-around health, you’ll be more familiar with warning signs that something’s off. This can make it easier to spot when your own kids are struggling.
Yoga and meditation for kids.
We know when you think about how to keep kids healthy, it can feel like a lot of boxes to check. But don’t worry – we’re here to help. In fact, our staff is training with Kidding Around Yoga so we can offer kid-friendly yoga and meditation classes that are tailored to help young brains stay balanced and healthy.
If you’d like more information about kids and mental health, counseling with your kids, or our youth-geared yoga and meditation, we’d love to talk. Get in touch with the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center by calling or emailing us today. We care about giving our community more ways to keep kids healthy and are here to help you help your kids live their best lives!
