10 Tips For Raising Healthy, Happy Children

Dr. Tanya

by Tanya Remer Altmann, M.D.

Start the New Year off right. These 10 simple tips will set your family up for a lifetime of good health and happiness.

1. Eat Healthy

It's true. You are what you eat. Nutrition plays an important role in how kids grow, develop and learn. Healthy food habits are formed at a young age. And your kids learn from your example. So teach them to drink water instead of juice and soda. Get the junk food out of your house where it can't tempt your kids (or you) and instead snack on healthy options such as fruit and veggies. Watch portion sizes--often the problem isn't what your kids are eating, but how much. Review your child's diet with your pediatrician.

2. Exercise

Get your children off the couch! Kids (and adults) need at least 40 minutes of exercise a day. Find outdoor activities for the entire family to enjoy. Hike, bike or go for an after dinner walk. If your child doesn't like organized team sports, encourage individual activities such as gymnastics or karate. Walking the dog counts too. You are your child's best role model, so make exercise a priority in your life and your children will follow.

3. Limit TV

Working out the remote doesn't burn many calories. In addition to inactivity and obesity, television watching is also linked to school failure. So limit combined TV, videogame and computer use to 1-2 hours a day. Make sure the programs your children do watch are age appropriate. Watch with them and use the storylines as an opportunity to discuss controversial issues. Teach young children the difference between commercials, news and fictional programs.

4. Read

Read to your children every day. Let your kids choose the book, turn the pages and play with them. It's even okay if your infant tries to eat it. Make it a part of their routine by 6 months of age. Studies show that infants and toddlers exposed to books and reading are more interested in learning later on in life. Reading to children teaches them the importance of communication and motivates them to become readers as they get older. Again, take advantage of this time to discuss issues and learn what is on your child's mind.

5. Check Immunizations

Review your child's vaccine records with a pediatrician and make sure your child is up to date. Vaccines are very important to protect your children from life threatening disease and illness. Also, schedule a complete physical exam if your child or teen hasn't had one in the last year.

6. Be Safe

Check car seats to make sure they are installed properly and keep big kids in booster seats until 8 years or 80 pounds. Enforce a no helmet means no bike, rollerblades, skateboard or scooter rule. Childproof your home from room to room. Remove all potential dangers such as poisons, small objects, sharp edges, knives and firearms. Watch out for places from which they can fall. Don't forget swimming pool safety including a self latching gate surrounding all four sides, proper adult supervision and sunscreen.

7. Don't smoke

Make your home a smoke-free zone. Indoor air pollution from tobacco increases ear infections, lung infections and even Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. If your child has asthma or another chronic illness, second hand smoke can be especially dangerous. If you smoke, please consider quitting. Remember, the most important predictor of whether your child will grow up to be a smoker is whether you smoke.

8. Prevent Violence

Set a good example and teach your children that it's not acceptable to hit, slap or spank to solve problems. Non-physical forms of discipline work better in the long run. Remember that words can hurt too. Again, monitor the media they watch for violent scenes and messages. Children exposed to violence at a young age have greater tendencies to be aggressive or violent adults.

9. Stress Education

Become more involved in your child's education. Visit your child's school and become active in the parent-teacher organization. Volunteer in the classroom or for special projects. Be available to help with homework. If your child is struggling in school, don't wait. Get them extra tutoring. If your child's education is important to you, it will be important to him.

10. Express Love

Make your children feel loved and important. Kids develop a sense of self-worth early in life. They get it from their parents. Listen to what your children have to say. Assure them that they are loved and safe. Celebrate their individuality. Tell them what makes them special and what you admire about them.