A child is prone to health problems like flu, coughs and cold because of constant attacks on the immune system, especially if this immune system is weak. Due to which parents are constantly worried about keeping their little ones healthy and safe from seasonal illnesses. (Source : TOI)
Having said that, Parents don’t need any degree in healthcare to keep kids away from several health ailments and keep them healthy and fit. To keep kids healthy and fit, all they need is lots of love, understanding, good food and good hygiene practice. Childhood is the perfect time to instill good healthy habits in kids.
In this health blogpost by Crystal Diagnostic Lab, we will list down 13 such health tips for parents to consider for their child’s health –
Nutritious food not to be avoided
Parents should now allow their kids to decide what to eat and what not to eat. Parents should be sensitive and strict on this fact. Your kids will demand chocolate cookies and junk food, but don’t fulfill these wishes of theirs.
Your kids won’t go hungry to bed; they will eat what’s available in the fridge. Allowing them to eat their favorite snack once in a week is fine but not always. Parents should always consider the long term impact of any food and eating habit they instill in their kids.
Kids should enjoy their food
Always see to it that your child enjoys the food you provide. Make your child’s food fun. Add the element of fun by opting for different fillings and preparations every day or ask your kid to spot different kinds of dishes on the table or fruits or vegetables. One best example can be adding dry fruits and strawberries or banana in their oat meal.
Breakfast is the key meal of the day
Parents should always encourage their kids to have a healthy breakfast. After a good night’s sleep, your child needs good food to stay active and concentrate at school. Your child’s performance at school will also go up, because your child will be less hungry till lunch. A bowl of cereal with milk is an excellent option for breakfast.
Washing hands is important
The fastest way for your child to fall ill is through eating without washing hands. When your child plays, or touches something, the germs gets transported through that something via the hands to the mouth. Hence, always instill the habit of washing hands regularly in your kids to keep them away from health problems. Plus teach them to never put their hands in their mouth or bite nails.
Importance of Physical Exercise
Establish exercise habits in your kids as early as possible, say by the age of 5-6. Heavy weight training exercise is not advisable but daily 10-15 minutes of exercises like stretching or brisk walking should be instilled. Exercises like cycling, jumping ropes or swimming should be encouraged in kids.
Let your kids eat their own lunch
Teach your kids not to share lunch with anyone at school. Sharing lunches is the most common way of transferring germs. She further stresses that besides parents, even school authorities should make it mandatory to not allow kids to share lunch with other kids.
Don’t make exercise boring
It is really a task to make your kids exercise every day. Hence, don’t stick to the regular exercise mode like stretching. Besides stretching and workouts there are different modes of exercise which are fun like dancing, gardening and playing basketball. Choose the exercise which your child likes not which you like.
Sleeping is essential
The most important issue for kids is to get enough sleep. It is very essential that your young kid gets at least 10 to 11 hours of a good night’s sleep.
If your child doesn’t get good sleep, then there are high chances that your child will doze off at the desk, not pay attention in class and come home exhausted and irritated. Besides, a regular sleeping pattern makes sure that your child enjoys some quiet time without television before his bedtime.
School bags shouldn’t be heavy
School bags are the most important part of a school kid’s life. While buying a school bag, parents should pick a wide bag with cushion shoulder straps and cushioned back.
The bag should not be too heavy as this will strain your child’s back. While packing the bag, keep heavier items in the center and the weight of the bag should not be more than 10-15 percent of your child’s body weight. And ensure that your kids carry the bag on both the shoulders to avoid muscle strain.
Water is crucial
Besides good food, water is also essential for a child’s healthy lifestyle. Parents should encourage their kids to drink at least 5-9 glasses of filtered water every day. In order to avoid interference with digestion, your child shouldn’t drink liquids with meals. In fact drink water or herbal tea in between meals.
Vaccinate your child
Vaccination will help your child combat various preventable diseases. Vaccination for very young and very old kids is very important. Check with your doctor and get a timely schedule vaccination according to your child’s age, health and vaccines available.
Too much TV and computer isn’t good
Encourage your child to participate and engage in activities other than sitting in front of the PC and TV. Limit screen time so that your child is active and doesn’t bear the risk of increasing body fat. Apart from being fit, your child will also be protected from the harmful effects of the screen.
Oral health is a must
Teach your kids to brush at least twice daily with a good fluoride toothpaste to maintain oral health. Ask your child to avoid nibbling foods all day long and avoid intake of any food after brushing your teeth at bedtime.
Other resources to consider
- Blogpost by Family Doctor – Child’s Health
- Blog post by KidsHealth – Kids and Food