A happy, healthy family is all that any parent wants but sometimes it feels easier said than done. With so much conflicting advice out there, it can be difficult to know what the best thing for your family really is.
Here’s a list of small, but crucial, things you can do to keep your family in good health all year round.
Eat a healthy breakfast
They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it’s true. Eating a healthy meal first thing in the morning sets your family up for success during the day – and should stop them from reaching for unhealthy snacks like crisps and chocolate. Studies have found that breakfast is important for school performance, as students who eat a healthy breakfast are likely to outperform those who don’t.
Making a healthy breakfast for your family doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming; it can be as simple as Weetabix and berries, or wholegrain toast.
Visit the dentist
It can be tempting to skip the dentist because things seem to be okay with your children’s teeth, but it’s an unwise move. Visiting the dentist regularly is important to catch any problems before they arise and encourage good oral hygiene practices. It’s worth investing in a private facility to ensure that your family receive the best possible treatment, particularly if they need orthodontic treatment or dental surgery. Kew Road Dental is a fantastic, family-friendly choice.
Get moving
You should encourage your family to be as active as possible. It can be tempting to let the kids sit inside and play video games all day, but getting out and exercising together is much healthier – not to mention a great opportunity for a spot of family bonding. Ball games in the park, bike rides and long, rambling walks are perfect weekend activities, and during the week you could do some quick YouTube dance or yoga videos together after school.
Drink more water
It can be difficult to persuade your kids to increase their fluid intake, so why not make it into a competition? You could make a chart in the kitchen with a small, weekly prize for the family member who drinks the most water. Just make it clear that fizzy drinks don’t count.
Eat more fruit and veg
Persuading children to eat their vegetables is an age-old struggle, but it’s an important one. Letting your kids get involved in the cooking is a good way to get them interested in food, or perhaps it’s time to try out some new, creative recipes. Making fruit and vegetable faces is an entertaining way of getting the littles one to eat their five a day – they’ll be having too much fun to even notice what you’re up to.
Wash your hands
It’s simple but important: make sure that all family members are washing their hands thoroughly after going to the toilet to prevent the spread of nasty germs. Buying fruity-smelling soap and putting a reminder up in the bathroom are both great ways of making sure your children don’t forget this all-important step.
