Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids: Setting A Good Example For Your Children

Children learn all the time, and they pick things up very quickly. This is why it’s so important to set a good example when it comes to making lifestyle choices. If you are healthy, there’s every chance that your kids will be too. Here are some top tips to boost your family’s health this fall.

Leading an active lifestyle

According to statistics, 80 percent of American adults don’t meet recommended activity levels. Being active isn’t just important for maintaining a healthy weight. Exercise also brings a host of other health benefits, including improved mental health, better circulation, increased stamina and endurance and improved strength and flexibility. If you’re an active parent, your children are more likely to be active, and this will reduce the risk of them developing health complications. Playing sports can also be a great social activity for both children and adults. If you don’t move as much as you should, start taking small steps towards a more active lifestyle. Swap weekends in front of a tablet or the TV for bike rides, walks in the park or a day at the beach, leave the car at home and walk to school or the shops and spend as much time as you can in the backyard. If you find it tough to peel the kids away from games consoles or computers, try and make the garden a more child-friendly space. You could put up a basketball hoop or soccer goals or create a mini golf course or even a DIY adventure playground if you have space.

Smoking

Researchers at the University of Washington claim that children whose parents smoke are twice as likely to smoke when they are older than those with parents who are non-smokers. Passive smoking can pose a risk to your child’s health, but they can also learn from your habits. If you are trying to give up smoking, there are methods and treatments that can help. Switching to e-cigarettes is proving increasingly popular for those looking to quit. If you’re considering this option, you can find out more about vaping at https://www.vaporescence.com/. Another technique you may wish to try is nicotine replacement therapy. Your doctor can give you more information and go through your options. Some people also find group sessions useful, and studies suggest that you’re more likely to quit if you do it with others, rather than flying solo.

Healthy eating

We often focus on losing weight when we talk about our diets, but this doesn’t always represent a healthy attitude to food. Healthy eating is about giving your body nutrients, vitamins and minerals, and moderating your intake of foods that have little or nutritional value. It’s not healthy to diet constantly, just like it’s not healthy to be overweight or obese. Try and encourage your children to try a wide range of foods from an early age, and get them involved in preparing meals. For simple, nutritious recipes, check out http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/healthy/. Aim to include plenty of fruit and vegetables and whole grain foods in your diet.

If you’re a parent, you only ever want the best for your kids. Setting a good example with your lifestyle choices is a great way to encourage them to adopt positive habits and set them on the road to good health and wellbeing.