Each school day, kids' brains are constantly confronted with new material in math, spelling, science, art, music, reading and writing. By the end of a learning-filled school day, most kids just want to relax and have fun. If you try to teach them new subjects, they may disregard you completely. For this reason, many parents find it difficult to teach their kids about nutrition and exercise. But with a bit of time and creativity, teaching kids about staying healthy is quite simple.
Step 1
Involve your children in planning and preparing healthy meals and snacks. Before grocery shopping, sit down as a family and plan out healthy meals for the week. As you shop together, point out the healthy versions of your family's favorite foods. When you cook together, talk about the nutrients, vitamins and minerals in each food you use.
Step 2
Avoid forcing your children to eat large portions of food. When serving meals, dish out modest portions of food. As your child grows, this smaller portion size will be familiar, and she will be less likely to overindulge while eating. If your child finishes her meal and still feels hungry after 5 minutes, allow a second helping.
Step 3
Allow your child to determine when he is full, even if he finishes his chicken and potatoes and claims he is full before eating his green beans. Forcing him to eat everything on his plate could eventually form a dangerous habit. Feeling compelled to always finish his entire plate will likely result in overeating on many occasions. Instead, simply explain that you will save his green beans in case he becomes hungry later. If he wishes to eat in a few hours, reheat his green beans and ask him to eat those first.
Step 4
Avoid using junk food as a reward, bribe or comfort tool. As explained by the Family Education website, "If you reward your children with a candy bar or ice cream now, you'll end up with adults who feel they 'deserve' a Mars bar when they've had a productive day or reached a target." Instead, reward your children with fun activities, such as staying up 30 minutes later or playing at the park for an afternoon.
Step 5
Limit the amount of time your children are allowed to watch television, play video games or use the computer. Prevent temper-tantrums and/or bad attitudes by developing this habit from a young age. Without these sedentary activities available, your kids are more likely to engage in active and/or creative activities.
Step 6
Choose fun fitness activities when planning family projects for evenings, weekends or vacations. Rather than staying at home to watch movies all weekend, take the entire family out for a nature hike or bicycle ride. Challenge your kids to find fitness-friendly activities when they have time off from school or when your family goes on vacation.
Step 7
Set a healthy example for your kids. As children grow, they often look up to their parents for guidance and advice. If children see their parents eating junk food and spending free time in front of the television, they will likely develop those same unhealthy habits. Of course, most adults want to indulge in unhealthy behaviors occasionally, and that's perfectly acceptable. However, if possible, eat your junk food and play video games when the kids aren't around.
