National Child Health Day is all about raising awareness for children’s well-being. What better way to celebrate than by introducing healthy habits to your little ones?
Educating young children about the importance of making healthy choices can help establish a strong foundation early on so they are better prepared for the future. We’ve rounded up some simple, accessible ways to encourage the integration of wellness into your child’s routine.
Go for a walk outside.
Getting outside for some gentle movement with your child – even for a short amount of time – can have a major impact on their physical and mental health (and yours!). From boosting immunity and improving mobility and strength, to reducing stress and increasing focus and overall happiness, taking a walk a few days a week is a great way to promote wellness.
Make nutritious snacks together.
Healthy eating habits are critical for strong growth and development and can even help prevent chronic illnesses. A great way to introduce this to young children is by making snacks together. This can be done as a weekend activity or after school. Not only does this give you an opportunity to teach your child about what constitutes a healthy diet, but it also gives them a chance to build confidence by learning to be independent and prepare their own meals.
Prioritize good hygiene.
Good hygiene is a crucial part of a healthy routine that often gets overlooked. Young children especially may not always understand how or why things like brushing their teeth and washing their hands are so important. By taking time to educate your child about the various ways they can take care of themselves, they are better able to build lifelong habits that will benefit their overall health.
Learning to incorporate healthy habits at a young age makes it easier to maintain them later in life, and can result in better development of physical, emotional, and mental health. Try adding in one or two in honor of National Child Health Day – you won’t believe the difference it makes!
