Help Your Children Grow
Healthy Habits

You want your children to be healthy. One way to teach them is to have healthy habits yourself. For instance, if you exercise regularly, your kids will likely be active, too.

You should also tell your children what you know about good health.

Here are some ways to help your child develop healthy habits:

Eating Right

• Buy healthy snacks, such as yogurt, whole-grain crackers, cheese, and fruits and vegetables.
• Involve children in cooking. Kids usually enjoy eating dishes they help make. By age 5 or 6, many children can measure ingredients. They can cut with a blunt knife and use an eggbeater.
• Help your child invent a meal or snack, such as trail mix.

Being Active

• Make time for an active family event once a week. Fly a kite or ride bikes. Hike through a forest preserve or park.
• Give “active” gifts, such as balls, jump ropes, and basketball hoops.
• Limit TV watching. Children who watch TV for 3 or more hours after school aren’t as active as those who watch less.