Healthy choices can include many things; depending on your age and needs, those choices can be something as small as learning how to say no when someone is asking for too much of your time or energy or something as big as making the decision to say no to substances. This will extend into just about every part of their lives, from their physical health to their mental well-being, so it cannot be overstated how important it is.
Compassionate Care Doula wants to help you and your family to thrive, so read on for key tips.
Driving tips
Driving can be just as scary for parents as it is for the teen behind the wheel, but with a little preparation, State Farm notes you can help your child learn how to be safe on the road. Think outside of the driving test; not only does your teen need to understand the rules of the road and how to safely operate the car, they also need to learn how to keep an eye on other drivers and how to keep distractions inside the car to a minimum.
Make healthy eating easy
Healthy eating isn’t always easy, but for young people, it’s essential in keeping their minds and bodies feeling good. Talk to your child about how to make healthy choices when it comes to their nutrition because these lessons will last a lifetime. Help them pick the right foods by making them easily accessible at home and in their lunchboxes, and make it a point to allow your kids to play a role in what your family eats.
Get moving
Staying active is one of the most important factors in maintaining a healthy weight and preventing disease. Regular exercise also helps people cope with mental health issues like depression or stress, and it’s a great way to get your family together as well. Wellness Mama suggests looking for group activities, like sports or outdoor games, that you can all do together when the weather is nice. When you show your kids how to get moving and make it fun, they’ll be much more likely to keep doing it.
Limit bad habits
Bad habits can encompass many parts of life, but for young people, those habits can become lifestyle choices. When it comes to caffeine, inactivity, and not getting enough sleep, it’s beneficial to help your child find better alternatives. Creating a sleep routine that allows them to relax and get to bed at a decent hour can work wonders for their mood and ability to function during the day, while limiting caffeine and staying active can help them feel better all around.
Take an active leadership role
Children learn by observing the behavior of the adults around them; especially their parents. That’s why it’s imperative to set a good example and show good observable behavior near your children. For example, when a child falls and hurts themselves, they look to the nearest adult to see how to react. When the nearest adult panics the child will cry, but when the nearest adult is calm the child will be, too.
That’s why leading by example and showing your children that education is important is a wise thing to do. Earning an online business degree, for example, is a great way to go back to school since classes can be done at your convenience. You can also pick up podcasts or read books that expand your horizons. The key is to share with your kids about how your choices are helping you grow, and let them see the positive results.
Showing your children how to make healthy choices can be a long and frustrating road if you don’t have a plan in mind, so think about the best ways to approach these topics without coming across as forceful. When kids feel the freedom to make their own choices, they are much more likely to stick with them.
Connect with Compassionate Care Doula for more tips and advice to help with your parenting journey.
This article was written and submitted by Jenna Sherman
Thank you Jenna
Compassionate Care Doula Services, LLC 