The truth is, children absorb adult behaviors like sponges. That’s why the example has to come from you: if you want to teach your child healthy habits, you have to demonstrate them first! What good habits are worth developing together with your children?
Physical activity
Nobody needs to be told that movement is healthy. Of course, it’s not about your child playing any particular sport; it’s about not sitting in front of the computer or TV all day. Give your child freedom, let them get to know a variety of sports and activities, because just like not every adult likes to run, not every child is going to like playing soccer or Chinese jump rope.
Jumping rope, dancing (even in front of the TV, to your favorite music), cycling, inline skating, gymnastics, throwing a frisbee, spinning a hula hoop, taking walks – these are just a few examples of activities that you can work into your children’s daily routines without breaking the bank.
Sleep and daily routines
The young bodies of children and teens need a lot of sleep in order to regenerate properly. It’s important for them to develop regular habits, and sleep at approximately the same time every day. Obviously, this will be helped by setting up a plan for the day, or at least for the evening.
The plan will look different depending on your child’s age; for younger ones, for example, it could be supper, a bath, watching a cartoon or reading a book together, then being tucked into bed; for older children, playing online with friends, chatting over social media, supper and a shower.
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Proper hygiene
Proper hygiene isn’t just frequently brushing your teeth and washing your hands, bathing every day and cleaning your ears regularly. It also means teaching your children to keep their clothes fresh and clean, and reminding them to wash fruits and vegetables. While it may seem trivial, hygiene-related illnesses are quite common among children. They include foodborne hepatitis A, head lice, pinworms, tooth decay and food poisoning.
Children should have their own toiletries – a toothbrush, comb or brush, toothpaste appropriate for their age, a towel. If your child is stubborn about hygiene, you can encourage them with colorful gadgets, such as a toothbrush with their favorite cartoon character, or bath toys. If your child associates bathing with fun and ritual, they’ll be more eager to take on this duty.
And remember to wash their sheets, pajamas and towels frequently – just because they don’t look dirty doesn’t mean they aren’t – and that’s exactly what you need to teach your child when they want to wear their favorite shirt or pants “just one more day.”
Limiting time on mobile phones and online
Inevitably, most of the habits described above will lead to your child spending less time using games or apps, or scrolling social media, which they often do simply out of boredom.
The SafeKiddo parental control app lets you and your child develop rules for how they use technology. Blocking inappropriate sites and apps, setting time limits, monitoring social media – SafeKiddo delivers all of that!
We know every family has different needs – that’s why we offer three different packages that you can tailor to your and your family’s needs.
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Reading
Reading books regularly isn’t just a valuable form of entertainment, it’s also a chance for your children to develop their language abilities, build their vocabulary and expand their imagination. Reading together builds a bond between parents and children, who may need this type of closeness.
Reading also means broadening your child’s knowledge of the world, teaching them sensitivity, exercising their memory and concentration.
Many books written for children include valuable information about the world around them, stories with morals and interesting general knowledge facts. These are further benefits of regular reading.
Photo: Direct Media (StockSnap)
Main photo: Family Moments (StockSnap)
