Young children are vulnerable and dependent on their parents to protect their health and wellbeing. Luckily it is not rocket science, and these five principles provide a good start to keeping your young children happy and healthy and to teach them good habits for remaining in good health as they get older.

1. Getting enough sleep

Children between the ages of 5 and 12 need around 10 hours of sleep every night to ensure they stay in good health. Aim to stick to the same sleep regimen, even over weekends and during school holidays. Signs that a child is not getting enough sleep include fatigue, headaches, moodiness, and struggling to focus and concentrate. The immune system also becomes impaired if a child does not sleep enough.

2. Personal hygiene

Many viruses and bugs are spread through hands that become contaminated, so a golden rule to safeguard your child’s health is to teach him or her from an early age to wash hands before meals and after bathroom use. This should be reinforced at home and at school and should be done without exception.

3. Eating a proper breakfast

The importance of a good, healthy breakfast should never be underestimated and children should be required to eat breakfast every day. Breakfast helps to get the metabolism going and also helps the body eliminate correctly. Having a combination of starchy food, fibre and protein is the best idea. Examples of good nutritious breakfasts include a fruit smoothie, a piece of fruit and a wholesome sandwich made with some protein, or a serving of raw veggies with dip.

4. Having healthy relationships

Whether it is a special bond with a pet or a friendship at school, healthy relationships can have great value to a child. It provides them with love, support and acceptance and makes them feel that they belong. It validates them and teaches them social and emotional skills.

5. Keeping active

Playing and being outside help children to get rid of excess energy and allow them to unwind. Being out in the sun is also good for them as it helps with the production of vitamin D3 in the body – this in turn helps them cope better with stress.

 

Sources
www.familyanatomy.com
www.lhj.com
www.oasisadvancedwellness.com