I’ve got four kids and let me tell you, their habits aren’t always healthy. I’ve got one kid who hates showers, one who bites her nails, and one child who doesn’t seem to be able to put a dish in the dish washer for the life of him. It really is like your parents say–super important to teach our children healthy habits from a young age. Establishing healthy habits early on can help them lead a more fulfilled and healthy lifestyle when they are older. In this blog post, we will discuss tips for teaching kids healthy habits, including emotional, physical, and spiritual habits. 

Tips for Teaching Kids Healthy Habits

Emotional Habits

One of the most important things you can do for your child is to be a good role model. You should always lead by example and show them how to make healthy choices. Additionally, you should talk to your child about their emotions and help them build healthy coping skills. This can help them learn how to manage their emotions in a healthy way.

Physical Habits

When it comes to teaching kids physical habits, one of the most important things is to make sure they get enough physical activity. Regular exercise is essential for both physical and mental health. You can make physical activity fun by playing games with them or going for a bike ride. 

It’s also important to limit their screen time. This includes time spent in front of a television, computer, or any other type of screen. It’s best to limit their screen time to two hours or less each day. 

Nutrition is also an important factor when it comes to physical health. Make sure your children are eating nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Try to limit their intake of unhealthy foods such as fast food, french fries, sugary drinks, and ice cream. 

Regular brushing: According to NatruSmile, regular brushing helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Make it a fun and interactive experience by using colorful toothbrushes and flavored toothpaste, ensuring your kids develop a lifelong habit of good oral hygiene. 

Spiritual Habits

Spiritual habits are just as important as physical and emotional habits. You can start teaching your children spiritual habits at a young age by teaching them about prayer and meditation. You can also talk to them about their values and help them develop a sense of purpose. 

Family time is also an important part of spiritual health. Try to have regular family meals and engage in fun activities with your children. This can help create a strong bond between family members and promote a sense of belonging. 

Tips for Teaching Kids Healthy Habits

Now that we’ve discussed some of the most important healthy habits to teach your children, let’s look at some tips for teaching these habits. 

1. Start Early: The most important thing is to start teaching healthy habits at a young age. This will help them establish good habits and maintain them for life. 

2. Involve the Whole Family: Involving the whole family in teaching healthy habits is a great way to ensure that the habits stick. Have family meals, go grocery shopping together, and engage in physical activities together. 

3. Make it Fun: Kids are more likely to be interested in healthy habits if they find them enjoyable. Try to make healthy eating fun by introducing new foods and having fun games while grocery shopping. 

4. Be Patient: It’s important to remember that it may take some time for your child to develop healthy habits. Be patient and don’t give up if they are having trouble adjusting. 

5. Set a Good Example: Parents, unfortunately we don’t get out of our bad habits either. It’s vital to set a good example for your children. Show them how to make healthy choices and be a good role model.

Additionally, incorporating a habit-tracking app like Greatness can be a helpful tool in teaching kids healthy habits. The Greatness app allows you to set goals, track progress, and make the process interactive and engaging for children. By using the app together as a family, you can create a positive and supportive environment that encourages the development of healthy habits in a fun and enjoyable way.

You Set the Tone 

I have to remind myself that I play a major role in setting the tone for teaching my kids healthy habits. Moms, dads, grandparents, guardians…you can do this through setting a good example. Show children that you value healthy habits and are committed to living them out. This includes things like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoking, drinking, and drug use. (I know…practicing what you preach can be harder said than done.)

Provide your children with a healthy environment, which includes providing nutritious meals and snacks, making sure they get enough physical activity, and limiting screen time. I know many of our nights are crazy-busy with sports. Even on those nights, we always sit down as a family to have dinner together–sometimes it’s 4pm and sometimes 9pm. And the meal isn’t always “perfect”–we live on a lot of quick grilled cheese sandwiches and celery sticks. But it’s important to us to eat together. It’s also important to explain the why of healthy habits. (Like why you shouldn’t bite your nails.)

Be encouraging and supportive when kids are attempting to adopt new healthy habits. (The term “attempt” is a broad one in my house!) Give them positive reinforcement and praise when kids make progress, and support them when they make mistakes or struggle with certain habits. I know one simple thing that helped my daughter stop biting her nails was to provide her with finger nail clippers and then teach her how to use them.

Finally, set reasonable goals and expectations for your children. Be open to their ideas and opinions and be willing to listen to their concerns. By setting the tone for teaching kids healthy habits, you can help your children lead healthier and happier lives.

One final thought…

Teaching kids healthy habits is essential for their physical, mental, and spiritual health. It’s not always easy, but it’s important to start teaching these habits at an early age. Involve the whole family! Make it fun and be patient with your children. Most importantly, remember to set a good example and show them how to make healthy choices. 

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