Good habits can be formed early.
Provided by John R. Berry
One of the greatest legacies any parent can give a child is a framework for living an enduring, healthy lifestyle.
It is hard to underestimate the power that parents have on their children’s development, which is why parenting is such a profound responsibility.
The attitudes and habits formed in childhood can determine your child’s health in their adult years. Here are some ideas for parents who are looking to raise healthy children who grow up to be healthy adults.
Start Early. Good eating, sleeping, and exercise habits should begin early in childhood. It’ll save you (and your adult child) from the difficulties of breaking bad habits later.
Be Family Centric. Make healthy living a family affair. Consider the impact even small actions can have. Talking with children about nutritional benefits often encourages them to eat healthier.1
Plan for Healthy Meals and Snacks. Modern lives are busy but try to plan ahead by stocking healthy foods and snacks in the house. You may even want to cook a few meals during the weekend for the week ahead. If you’re looking to improve dieting behaviors, be sure to move slowly with these changes. The less the kids notice, the more effective the transition will likely be. Expose your child to different foods by pairing them with foods they already like.
Be Active. It may be harder than ever to tear children away from the phone, computer, and TV, but it’s crucial that children engage in active play. It doesn’t have to be an organized event. Challenge your child to a push-up contest, or offer to play goalie, so they can practice soccer kicks. Connect physical activity to a positive experience.
Be a Role Model. Lessons are difficult to teach if the teacher is not practicing what they preach. Be sure to lead by example.
John R. Berry may be reached at (940) 325-9800.
This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.
Citations.
1 - kxly.com/news/wsu-researchers-release-study-on-healthy-eating-habits-in-children/1076453914 [5/8/19]