If you want your kids to learn how to make healthy choices, the best way is by example. We all know that kids learn best when they’re actively doing something, so keep them involved in the process rather than just telling them what to do. Here are some things that we can do as parents:
You can model healthy living.
As you can see, it’s a lifelong process. You have to show your kids that healthy living is fun and rewarding. If you’re not doing the right things yourself, they’ll never see it as a worthwhile goal or achievement.
Get them involved in meal planning, shopping, and cooking.
- Make it fun.
- Get them involved in the process.
Children are naturally curious, so if you can show them how their food is made and what it will look like before serving it to them, they’ll be more likely to eat something that they helped prepare. This also helps kids see that cooking isn’t just about throwing ingredients into a pan; there’s an art and science behind preparing meals that can be enjoyed by everyone (including picky eaters).
- If possible, involve children in shopping as well—not only will they get excited about trying new foods at home but they’ll also learn some valuable lessons about healthy eating habits!
Limit their screen time
- Limit screen time to two hours a day.
- Make sure your kids are sleeping enough.
- Encourage them to play outside instead of watching TV or playing video games.
- Encourage them to read, preferably with you reading aloud as you go along (this will help them get used to the idea of reading).
- Encourage your child’s hand skills by having him/her make things with their hands (such as puzzles) and give him/her an opportunity every day at home or outdoors—perhaps even in the evening when there is less traffic on the road—to build something using only materials found locally in nature: sticks; leaves; castoffs from neighbors’ yards; rocks that may be lying around…
Set a good example by eating together as a family.
- Eat together as a family.
- Eat healthy foods.
- Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day, or five additional servings beyond what’s recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Fruits include apples, bananas, blueberries, cranberries, and kiwis; vegetables include broccoli, carrots, and spinach. Whole grains are nuts like almonds or peanuts; unrefined grains like barley; whole grain pasta such as macaroni & cheese (not instant). Whole grain bread/pasta/rice tend to be lower in calories than refined ones because there’s more fiber in them so they’re digested slowly which means you feel full longer! Try new things – try something new every night!
Encourage outdoor activity.
- Encourage outdoor activity.
- Get your kids involved in sports and other active activities, such as dancing or yoga.
- Make sure they get enough sleep by setting an appropriate bedtime routine and discussing how much sleep they need each night.
Expose them to new foods early and often.
When you’re introducing new foods to your kids, it’s important to keep them interested. The best way to do this is by exposing them to a variety of different flavors and textures. Letting your kids try something new can help them develop an appreciation for all sorts of cuisines and food types, from Chinese stir-fry to pizza or hamburgers. If your child has never had chicken nuggets before but loves french fries (or vice versa), try making a special dinner out of both—you might be surprised by how well they go together!
Another easy way that parents can make sure their children are eating well is by making sure they eat breakfast every morning—and not just any old cereal or toast! Try incorporating some fruit into the mix; this will give your kids something sweet while also providing nutrients like vitamin C and potassium throughout their day.
Kids learn best when they’re actively doing something, so keep them involved in the process rather than just telling them what to do.
Kids learn best when they’re actively doing something, so keep them involved in the process rather than just telling them what to do. Kids will often get more out of learning if you let them discover and explore on their own.
When kids are engaged and active, they’re more likely to remember what they’ve done and how it feels to be successful at something. In addition, kids who take ownership of their learning tend to have higher self-esteem than those who don’t feel like they are making an important contribution (you can see this in classrooms all over).
In addition to encouraging children’s interest by letting them help with cooking or cleaning up after meals or snacks, here are some other ways you can promote healthy eating:
Conclusion
There are plenty of ways to teach your kids to make healthy choices, but the best way is not just to give them instructions but rather to show them how.
