Use these tips to help provide your child with everything they need to stay healthy as they grow.
Physical Activity
Regular exercise will help your child sleep better, maintain a healthy weight, develop stronger bones, and can even improve their outlook on life. Exercise improves both physical and mental health which is especially important in growing children. Children who are more physically active are less at risk of developing heart disease. They are also more likely to be focused and motivated in school. A lack of physical ability can hurt your child’s confidence and make it harder for them to thrive socially. Sign your child up for a little league team to keep them active and help them meet other kids. Be prepared to buy youth baseball gloves or any other equipment your child may need for the games. Some sports may require more of a commitment than others. If your child does not enjoy baseball, help them find an activity they love. Your child may enjoy swimming or riding their bike more than playing on a team. Find what keeps them active and help them always make time for the activity. Several things can get in the way of your child getting enough exercise each day. As your child gets older, they may become busier with additional demands and responsibilities at school.
Nutrition
It is extremely important for your child to get essential nutrients for their brain and body as they grow. Without proper nutrition, your child’s development could suffer. Help your child develop healthy habits and teach them the importance of nutrition from a young age. Help them choose healthy foods to eat. If your child is a picky eater, try providing a few healthy options they can choose from. You can also try plating the food in different fun and creative ways to encourage your child to eat better. You might cut the food into recognizable shapes or sort everything by color. When eating is more interactive, your child may focus more on the game and less on what food they don’t want to eat. Try to include healthy fats, lean protein, and whole grains in their diet. Make sure they are eating fruits and vegetables every day. Limit the amount of refined sugar, saturated fat, and any other low-nutrient foods. In addition to what they are eating, pay attention to how much your child eats. Control portion sizes with smaller plates or kiddie plates. Instead of frying and boiling food, try preparing it by grilling, steaming, or baking.
Expose them to regular dental visits as well to reduce their anxiety when visiting a dentist. Reach out to this dependable Dentist in keene to get started with your child’s dental health journey.
Sleep
Sleep is a crucial part of any healthy lifestyle and provides plenty of physical and mental benefits. Inadequate sleep can affect your child’s mood and their ability to function each day. Poor sleep can even cause potential problems with your child’s immune system and cardiovascular system. Kids who regularly get a good night’s sleep typically have better memory, behavior, learning abilities, and attention spans. To help your child get a better night’s sleep, create a nightly routine to wind down and prepare for bed. Start the routine at the same time every night to help regulate your child’s circadian rhythm. Dim the lights and limit all use of electronics and screens at least an hour before bed. The light emitted from the screens will disrupt your child’s sleep cycle and melatonin production. Try partaking in a family activity like playing cards or reading a book. Allow your child to take a warm bath and help them get settled in their room for bed. Your child’s level of activity and diet can affect their quality of sleep. Make sure your child is exerting enough energy during the day and that they are not eating sugar or caffeine close to bedtime.
Your child’s growth and development rely on a healthy foundation established early on. Make sure you are encouraging a healthy amount of exercise, nutrition, and sleep in their lives regularly.