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Television, computers and video games have changed the world in ways their inventors never imagined, creating innovative forms of entertainment—but also encouraging the average American to sit for thousands of hours longer than he or she did 50 years ago. So now more than ever, maintaining a balance between sedentary and active lifestyles is essential to healthy living. Teaching your child to maintain this balance will keep him or her healthy for years beyond childhood. Moreover, no matter which pop star or sports hero your child fancies, never forget that you are your child’s #1 role model. Children are good learners, and they learn best by example. Setting a good example for your kids by eating a variety of foods and being physically active will teach your children healthy lifestyle habits that they can follow for the rest of their lives.  |
Set time limits. You didn’t get very far in life by sitting down, and your child won’t either. Kids already spend a significant portion of their time sitting down during the school day, so be sure to limit their time spent doing sedentary activities, including television, videos, electronic games and computer play. Set a time limit (one for weekdays, one for weekends/holidays) and enforce it! Reducing sedentary activities helps increase physical activity. Plan “Family Play” activities. Remember when Mom or Dad taught you how to ride a bicycle? It’s a silly question, because parents and children alike never forget those moments. But family activity doesn’t have to end there. Participating in family physical activity time on a regular basis is not only good for your family’s health, but it also leads to good times and fond memories. Activities, such as walks, bike rides, hikes and active games, can help your family be happier and live longer. Also support your children’s organized physical activities, and provide a safe, accessible place outside for play. Speak up for physical activities at school. Be an advocate for daily physical activity at school. Encourage school personnel to promote active play at recess and daily physical education classes, if possible. Kids who can release energy through activity have been known to perform better in the classroom.
Almost every child is born with a sweet tooth that, without proper supervision, could spiral out of control into a cookie addiction. Discipline is not innate—it is learned. That’s why it’s important for parents to educate their children on the “rights and wrongs” of healthy eating and stress the need for balance in one’s diet.  |
Take some time to plan weekly menus. Putting a little thought and planning into mealtimes generally yields big health (and economic) advantages. It also gives you and your family an opportunity to try new recipes and be adventurous! Be sure to include healthy amounts of fruits and vegetables. No one likes to be force fed, so don’t forget to involve children in planning, shopping and preparing meals. Use these activities to understand children’s food preferences, teach children about nutrition and encourage them to try new healthy foods. It’s also a good way to spend quality time with them. Click here for a Shopping List of Recommended Foods. Take a close look at pantry shelves, cupboards, the refrigerator and freezer. What are the first foods you see? Are you tempted by high-calorie, low-nutrition “snack” foods, or are there plenty of nutritious choices? Can you look around your kitchen and easily find the ingredients for four or five healthful meals? After you do this visual inventory, make a list of staple ingredients needed to stock a healthful kitchen. Click here for a Shopping List of Recommended Foods.
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