Happy and healthy
As the parent of a young child, it is up to you to make sure that your precious charge is taken care of in the best way possible. No child is born with innate knowledge of keep himself healthy, so one important job that parents have is to provide the right tools and education to instill this knowledge into their children. Giving your children the proper foods and schedule will create healthy adults, and modeling proper behavior yourself is perhaps the most powerful way to influence them in the right direction.
Instructions
1. Serve healthy food. For babies, the best choice for growth and development is breast-feeding, although formula can fill in if this is not a feasible option. Once your child is eating solid foods, provide plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, water and milk instead of sugary drinks, sandwiches made from whole-grain bread with protein-high fillings and a lot of carbohydrates.
2. Put them on a schedule. Children will stay up the whole night if you allow them to, but the proper amount of rest is crucial for optimal functioning the next day. Enough sleep allows the body to digest food properly, restore and replenish muscles, promote growth and recharge the brain and memory capabilities. From about ages 5 to 9, kids need 11 hours of sleep a night. From ages 9 to 13, they need at least 10.
3. Shut off the television. Aside from the free time that it provides you, there are very few benefits that come from watching TV. Children need to be active to develop properly, both mentally and physically, and sitting inside all day will only stunt their growth. Encourage your children to play sports, jump rope or just run around the yard, and provide them with equipment that keeps their interest for the longest possible time.
4. Model healthy behavior by stocking your kitchen with nutritious choices, such as plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly and setting a bed time for yourself.
Tags: fruits vegetables, your children
