How to Encourage a Healthy Lifestyle in Children | Drama Kids

Helping children make healthy choices may feel like an uphill battle some days. Between tantrums over having to eat something other than mac and cheese or children who would rather watch TV than play outside, it can be difficult to show them how beneficial a healthy lifestyle can be for their mental and physical health.

By leading by example, parents can show their children exactly how fun and rewarding eating and acting healthy can be. Here are some of our top tips for helping children be healthier:

Encouraging Healthy Food Choices in Kids

Though it may not be surprising that there are many reasons why children can become picky eaters, there are extremely effective ways for parents to help encourage children to eat more fruits and vegetables and make better overall choices when it comes to food.

Experts say that some of the best ways to do this all involve thinking about how we as parents discuss and interact with food in our daily lives, as that is something that kids are absorbing at incredible rates.

Simple actions that we may not consider, such as using food as a reward or banning certain items entirely, can set children up for an unhealthy food relationship. Instead, limiting portion sizes and discussing the importance of moderation can show children the merits of having a positive yet mindful relationship with everything that they eat.

Helping Kids Lead Active Lifestyles

In addition to making good food choices, encouraging a healthy lifestyle in children is the best way to build the foundation they need to carry regular exercise and activity habits over into their teenage years and on into adulthood. Children need about an hour of exercise and activity each day for optimal health, so any way you can help them accomplish this is a step in the right direction.

One of the best ways to encourage more activity in children is by participating in activities as a family. Taking hikes on the weekends, walking the dog together or participating in scenic bike rides are fantastic ways to lead by example and show children just how fun physical activity can be.

Drama Kids classes are a great way to get children to be both more active and more social! Enroll yours today so they can join the Drama Kids team.