Children who are taught good time management and healthy eating habits early in life are likely to continue them throughout adulthood. To help your child make the most of her time and make healthy food choices, teach by both instruction and example. Plan your own schedule so that you aren't frantically rushing between activities and watch the types of food you put into your mouth. These steps, in conjunction with your guided instruction, will help your child be efficient and nutritionally sound.
Teach Your Child to Plan
Have a talk with your child at the beginning of each season to discuss his current obligations and activities. Help him create a chart that outlines the number of hours of sleep he needs each day, his school hours, his commute times, extracurricular activities, typical homework demands and household responsibilities. Encourage him to devote time each week to physical activity and play, interacting with friends, family time and alone time. Discuss the natural consequences of poor time management, procrastination and overextending himself; also go over the benefits of being organized and efficient.
Teach Your Child to Prioritize
Prioritization is critical to effective time management. If your child expresses interest in a new activity, have her explain what she will remove from her schedule to accommodate the new activity. Help her prioritize her health, family and schoolwork while keeping time available for active play and friendships. Show her how to eliminate things from her schedule that don't promote her growth, such as wasted television time, toxic friendships or extracurricular activities she doesn't truly enjoy.
Allow Your Child to Plan Some Meals
Take your child to the grocery store and farmer's market with you and ask him to pick out a variety of foods for his breakfast, lunch and snacks. Encourage his input on family meals from time to time. If he takes his lunch to school, prepare the lunch together the night before and teach him about appropriate portion sizes. If he buys his lunch at school, ask him about his meal and praise his good choices.
Teach Your Child How to Make Good Food Choices
Teach your child to pick fresh fruits and vegetables when possible. Educate her about the health dangers of overconsuming soda, nutrient-depleted white bread and saturated fats. Read food labels together and keep healthy foods in the house, such as skim milk, whole grain tortillas, yogurt and walnuts. An older child can be educated about the USDA food pyramid and the relationship of food choices to chronic disease.
Member Comments