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Talk to parents of young children and you will find them stressed about the fact that their children keep falling ill often. Not without reason! Whether it is exposure to germs, not eating healthy, or more, there are a wide range of reasons that compromise the health of the child. As parents, it is our obligation to set the tone for our children’s well-being. By instilling healthy behaviors in children from an early age, we enable them to make decisions that support a lifetime of health and enjoyment. Here are some handy health tips for children that will keep their immune systems strong and keep them healthy.

1. Ensure proper sleep

It is important for young children to get between 9-11 hours of sleep. In fact, other than the hours of sleep, sleep quality has a lot to do with their ability to fight off infections. For them to get an adequate amount of sleep, ensure that they follow a consistent bedtime routine. Bedtime routine refers to a consistent set of activities that are carried out before bed every night. These activities help the child relax and wind down. Besides, the familiarity of the routine offers a sense of security. Do choose a routine that works for your child- brushing their teeth, having a bath, and bedtime stories are all helpful measures.

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2. Physical exercise

Physical activity plays a pivotal role in creating a healthy lifestyle, both mentally and physically. It is imperative that the child gets 30-60 minutes of physical exercise daily. A seemingly small step will help them in multiple ways, such as building stamina, sleeping better, managing stress, and more. In fact, it is important that you make physical activity a part of your daily life. For instance, take the stairs as opposed to the lift. Going biking, swimming, running, or any other physical activity that the child likes works well. It will also help to use any fun physical activity as a reward for a job well done or a milestone achieved as a family.

3. Reduce Screen Time

Although technology has many benefits, high screen time comes with its own set of disadvantages, including but not limited to impacting sleep, disrupting the body’s circadian rhythm, affecting attention spans, and more. It is imperative, therefore, that screen time is limited. You also need to ensure that there are enough breaks between screen sessions and that there is no viewing before bedtime, as it reduces melatonin levels and makes it difficult to fall asleep.

4. Healthy Eating

In the child’s growing up years, healthy eating is important. Start with a healthy breakfast that includes proteins, dairy, and whole grains. It will also work well to aim for five servings of vegetables and fruit each day. Children are known to feel hungry every few hours, and hence, healthy snacks play an important role. Increase inclination towards fresh fruits, low-fat cheese with crackers, raw vegetables with a dip, and more. Offer them different choices and keep introducing a variety of foods. You may need to serve a new food item a few times for the child to develop a taste for it. It is important, therefore, to remain patient. Food that looks good can also taste good, so try to be creative with the presentation. It is also important that children remain hydrated. Also, limit sugar-sweetened beverages.

It will also help that you eat together as a family, as family meals are a chance for parents to introduce their children to new foods and to be role models for healthy eating. Pro Tip- While it is important for us to teach children not to waste food, it is also important to teach them to listen to their bodies when they feel full. That way, children will not overeat.

5. Follow the immunization schedule!

Health tips for children include the fact that you stay up to date with the child’s immunization schedule. Protecting the child against infection and disease is extremely important. It is, therefore, best to follow the pediatrician’s advice and the child’s immunization schedule to keep him safe.

6. Frequent washing of hands

With children playing out in the open, touching various surfaces, interacting with other children, and more, exposure to germs is real. It is important, therefore, that you encourage children to wash their hands regularly. Teach them the right technique as well as the length for which they should wash their hands. It will be a good idea if the child sings the happy birthday song twice while washing their hands to ensure that the washing is indeed adequate. Also, other hygiene issues, such as keeping their hands away from their face, coughing, and sneezing into their arms, need to be taught early.

7. Making brushing teeth a routine

When it comes to brushing their teeth, children are often lazy. The impact of brushing teeth twice a day on oral health, however, cannot be overstated. Be a role model for the children when it comes to brushing their teeth. Equipping them with the right toothbrush and toothpaste and teaching them the right technique to brush their teeth will go a long way in improving not just their oral health but also their overall health.

8. Keep stress at bay!

While we typically associate stress with adults, the fact is that children also go through stress. It is important, therefore, to communicate with them so that they share their day’s happenings with you. Do keep a close watch to notice any changes in behavior etc that can alert you to any issues that they may be facing.

To Sum Up

Besides the above health tips for children that help with the child’s physical health, it is also important to remember that you need to undertake activities that enhance the child’s mental well-being. Practicing mindfulness, keeping a gratitude jar and more are habits that you can inculcate early in the child that will have far reaching benefits.

At Footprints, a chain of preschools that have emerged as a preferred parenting partner for parents, our focus is on the holistic growth and development of the child. The child being physically fit is an important aspect. To this end we undertake a whole lot of measures- be it teaching children healthy habits or ensuring that they are fed nutritious meals.

Here’s to raising a physically and mentally healthy generation of learners!