Endless social media scrolling. Bags of chips and cookies. Time on the couch instead of the park. These are just a few choices children are making over and over again, which could quickly turn into unhealthy habits. They are easy to establish and hard to break. As a dad, it’s your job to steer your children towards better, healthier choices.
One of the worst habits kids develop is getting too little sleep. Failing to get enough rest leads to problems in school, with behavior, and a decline in overall health. The Mayo Clinic says high school kids should sleep 10 hours per night. For elementary kids, that number can be as high as 16 hours. Are your kids getting enough shut-eye?
It will be easy to get them to sleep if they are active when they are awake. Getting off the sofa and exercising often will not only wear kids out, but it will get their blood pumping and heart racing. These are good ways to ward off unhealthy habits, like snacking, sitting around, or wasting time. In the United States, 1 in 5 kids is affected by an obesity-related health problem. Diet plays a major role, but so does exercise.
Processed foods are high in salt and sugar. Avoid them. Instead, serve kids fruits and vegetables. They are not occasional add-ons. They are vital parts of a balanced diet, along with protein, grains, and dairy. Drinking water is a good habit. Consuming too many sugar drinks, like soda and sports drinks, is bad for children.
There are so many ways to fall into bad routines as a kid. You play a major role in helping them develop healthier habits. If you don’t know where to start, that’s OK. Check out this video from our Child Safety Series and get involved today.
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What are some healthy habits we can do together?”