The new semester is in full swing, and like most parents, you’re probably hoping that your kids are having a blast at school and enjoying the time they spend both in and out of the classroom. The beginning of term is always a difficult time for parents, and it can be daunting waving goodbye at the gates, especially if your child has moved to a new school. Your child’s health is probably your number one priority, so here are some simple ways you can boost their health and wellbeing and ensure that they sail through the semester.
Living an active lifestyle
Being active has so many benefits for both children and adults. Studies show that children today are less active than ever before, and as a parent, it’s hugely beneficial to try and encourage regular exercise and set a good example. Try and organize active days out as a family, and if you have a child who loves surfing the net or playing computer games, limit screen time to encourage them to participate in other activities. Make your garden child or teen-friendly and get out and about as much as possible. Even if it’s chilly outside, you can still enjoy the great outdoors. All you need is coats, scarves, hats and gloves and a sense of adventure.
If your child plays sports, it’s a good idea to think about getting a check up before the football, soccer or basketball seasons get into full swing. Injuries are very common in sport, and it’s best to make sure that your child is in peak condition before they start playing and training on a regular basis. If there is evidence of an old or existing injury, working out could make it worse.
Improving mental wellbeing
Being healthy and happy isn’t just about getting good grades and surviving flu season without any symptoms. Mental health is also really important. Look out for any potential warning signs that your child may not be quite as content as they’re letting on, and try and encourage open chat and discussion. Growing up can be a hard thing to do, especially in the age of social media. Young people face a lot of challenges, and they may feel like they’re always under a spotlight. If you are worried, try and talk to your child and let them know that you’re there for them if they ever want advice or they simply need somebody to listen to them.
Eating well
Diet is really important for growing kids. Your child’s diet should provide them with everything they need. Recently, research conducted by the World Health Organization suggested that children are fatter than ever before, and child obesity carries a wealth of health risks. Try and cook at home, encourage healthy eating, and moderate your child’s intake of foods that are high in fat, salt, and sugar. It can be hard to do when kids get older, and they make their own decisions, but fostering good habits from an early age can help.
As a parent, you’ll only ever want the best for your children. Hopefully, this guide will give you some simple tips to keep your kids fighting fit this semester.