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10 Healthy Habits for Children
Isn't it "Do what I say and not what I do"? Well, your children watch what you do and are more likely to do what you do than what you say. We all want healthy children and with the rise of obesity and diabetes in children, it's more imperative than ever to teach your children these healthy habits from the American Heart Association. If children learn these healthy habits, they will lead healthier lives as adults. Remember to start slowly and then build up to incorporate all of these habits. Too much change all at once may be met with more resistance and negativity than if you were to start on a slower level.
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Lead by Example
Adopt these healthy habits and your children will be more willing to change too.
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Be an Active Family
Take time to do physical activities as a family. Take a walk after dinner, play outside, be active. Being together is a great time to bond as a family.
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Limit time spent with the TV, playing video games, or being on the computer.
Some time spent with these is okay, but children should not be at these all day everyday. This promotes a sedentary lifestyle and more opportunity for the children to snack.
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Have Fun
Make sure the children are having fun while they're being active. If they are not, find an activity that they like doing because if the children are not having fun, they won't stick with it.
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Be Positive and Supportive
Acknowledge your children's successes and be positive if they don't succeed. Help your children develop a good self-image. Poor self-image can lead to poor habits.
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Set Goals
Set exercise and healthy eating goals that your children can reach. Goals that are too limiting or vague will not be as successful. Set smaller goals first and then bigger ones as your children realize that these are goals that they can reach.
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Reward your Children
Reward your children with something other than food. Take them to the park, spend one-on-one time with them, play with them, etc.
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Have dinner as a Family
When you eat together as a family, you promote better eating habits. Have your children help in planning and cooking the meals.
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Read Food Labels
Teach your children how to read food labels and what everything means. This will help them learn what is healthy and what is not healthy.
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Be Involved
Monitor your children's health. Talk to their doctors and ask questions. Educate others who want to learn healthier habits but don't preach. Only those who want to change will listen but to others you are just an annoyance. Be respectful of others.
Disclaimer: This site and its services are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. See full disclaimer.
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