- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
If your children misbehave, it may be just to get attention, because they are hungry or because they are tired. But there are ways parents can prevent misbehavior before it happens.
Children learn faster when they are praised for good behavior, than when they are punished for poor behavior. Affirm good behavior by saying, for example, “You were a good helper,” “You were patient while we waited,” and “Look how nice you made the table look.”
Advance planning is another way to prevent misbehavior. For example, before heading out of the house for a long shopping trip, pack some healthy snacks to give the children when they are hungry. Before entering a store, explain to the child what to expect. You might say, “There are lots of things you'll want inside, but we can only buy what is on our list.”
Never use food to reward good behavior – it could cause eating problems in the future. Also, don't send children to bed without dinner to punish poor behavior.
With you by their side, your children will grow healthy, active and happy.
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
Children who spend more time with the parents tend to be happier and learn better.
A good way to spend time together is eating together as a family.
During family mealtime, children can practice conversational skills, learn good table manners and learn how to make healthy food choices.
It's important to maintain a positive atmosphere around the table. Avoid topics that might cause conflict, and instead, ask the children about their favorite part of the day, recall things you've done together, or plan a family outing.
For best results, set regular meal times so children can learn the routine.
Turn of the TV and ask the children to help set the table and prepare the food.
With you by their side, your children will grow healthy, active and happy.
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
Children learn to eat new foods by seeing, smelling, touching and sampling them.
They are more likely to try new foods that they have helped prepare themselves.
You will have better luck introducing new fruits and vegetables to children if you give them a chance to help in the kitchen when you are cooking.
Start with the easiest tasks first, such as stirring, pouring, shaking and tearing. Next, help them with spreading, mixing and kneading. Supervise the harder tasks, like cutting, grating and measuring.
It's natural for children to make a mess when cooking. But keep it fun. Just be patient and match the tasks to the children's ages and abilities.
Cooking is a great way for children to use math skills and develop coordination while spending quality time with parents. And as a bonus, they are learning to eat healthy food.
With you by their side, your children will grow healthy, active and happy.
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
By playing, children can explore their world while stimulating their brains and bodies to develop.
Parents can help their children learn by participating in active play along with them.
Playing at the park, riding bikes and dancing with music are a few activities parents and children can enjoy together.
Set aside time each day for physical activity. Start with 10 or 15 minutes, and work up to at least an hour a day.
Cut back on the whole family's sedentary activities, like watching TV, working on computers and playing video games.
Try shooting hoops, taking a walk, practicing soccer moves and swimming together. Get the whole family out and involved.
The active playtime is good for your children and good for you.
With you by their side, your children will grow healthy, active and happy.
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
Every parent longs for a happy, healthy family.
You are your child's first and most important teacher. A lot of what your young children learn comes from watching what you do.
It's a good idea to teach children healthy eating habits when they are very young so they won't struggle with overeating and overweight when they get older.
One of the best ways to teach children to eat right is to eat right yourself. Eat meals together at the table so the children see you eating fruits and vegetables.
Provide healthful food and let the children decide whether to eat anything at all, how much to put on their plates and how much of it to eat. You can also teach your children that food is a source of energy and nutrients – not a source of happiness or sadness – by never using goodies as a reward and never withholding desserts or sweets as a punishment. For life's inevitable hurts, console your children with love and kindness, not with a comforting food.
With you by their side, your children will grow healthy, active and happy.
