We all want what’s best for our children. We want them to have the best health possible, allowing them to lead a lifestyle that’s as good for them as possible. Of course, there are so many areas you can focus on to achieve this. Here are just a few to get the ball rolling.
Dental Health
When your children are really young, you tend to clean their teeth for them. But as they grow older and more capable, you’re going to have to show them how to clean their teeth themselves. Make sure that you’re using a child appropriate toothbrush (these tend to be smaller than adult toothbrushes and have fun designs). You may also want to use a children’s toothpaste, which still contains fluoride but has softer or more appealing flavors (though it’s important for you to teach your kids not to swallow their toothpaste). Many brands now offer timers that indicate the right amount of time for your kids to brush their teeth too. Make sure to check in for dental visits. This will get your kids used to the dentist and the professionals can also check whether any options such as braces or invisalign could be required to straighten adult teeth as they come through.
Diet
Kids shouldn’t focus too much on diet themselves. It’s important to make sure they’re aware of which foods are healthy and which foods should be eaten in moderation. But ultimately, you’re going to be in control of what they eat. So, make sure you’re serving the right meals and snacks to properly fuel their bodies and optimise their wellbeing. Calorie intake can differ according to age, sex and activity levels. Check the recommendations here:
- Children aged 2 to 8 – 1000 to 1400 calories
- Girls aged 9 to 13 – 1400 to 1600 calories
- Boys aged 9 to 13 – 1600 to 2000 calories
- Active women aged 14 to 30 – 2400 calories
- Sedentary women aged 14 to 30 – 1800 to 2000 calories
- Active men aged 14 to 30 – 2800 to 3200 calories
- Sedentary men aged 14 to 30 – 2000 to 2600 calories
Exercise
Most kids get sufficient exercise of their own accord. They run around playing games and also tend to get PE lessons at school. However, some children may require encouragement. It’s important that you find means of exercise that your children enjoy, as this will encoruage them to engage naturally, rather than feeling forced. There are countless kids clubs out there that incorporate exercise. Dance classes, sports teams and other similar activities are prime examples and extremely popular. Alternatives could include taking nature walks, where you show your kids trees, wildlife and other fascinating nature at the same time as getting a good walk in.
These are just a few examples that you might want to consider when it comes to maximising your child’s health and wellbeing. The key to getting your kid to be healthy is to get them engaged and to make the venture fun. This could help to build healthy habits for life, so get started early.