The Best Advice for Helping Your Kids Make Healthy Choices on a Budget

One of the many challenges parents face in today’s culture is raising kids to make healthy choices. However, many of us don’t think of being healthy as something you need to teach children. Here is important budget-minded advice to help you promote your child’s health.

Be a Great Role Model

 As a mom or dad, you are the first one your children look to for how to perform. The choices you make in how you live your life bear the biggest influence on the decisions your children make, now and in the future.

As explained by Iowa Food and Fitness, your actions and attitude will speak louder to your children than anything else. Evaluate your example carefully. For instance, do you eat a healthy breakfast every morning? Do you drink water throughout the day, or is soda your beverage of choice?

When you talk about healthy eating, do you do so in a positive manner? Are you a stress eater, or do you eat when you’re bored?

Start with your own eating habits, and make sure you choose balanced meals with good nutrition. Select healthy snacks, drink water, and instead of eating sugary desserts choose yogurt or fruit for your sweets.

What’s more, sticking to a healthy diet doesn’t have to derail your entire budget; Food Network has a list of meals that you can make for your family that cost under $10 apiece, and all of them look delicious.

Finally, get your children involved in the meal-making process by allowing them to use smaller appliances like microwaves and easy-to-use toaster ovens so they can contribute.

Taking Supplements

Children need vitamins and minerals just as much as adults do in order to stay healthy. Most kids can ingest the required daily amount from eating a balanced diet.

However, you may need to give your child supplements if they’re eating a vegetarian or vegan diet, have a certain condition that requires more nutrients, or are picky eaters. Search for a buying guide online that recommends affordable options.

Other supplements may be necessary for your children’s health. Evidence indicates that CBD has shown potential for relieving anxiety disorders.

If you have a child dealing with anxiety, CBD gummies might be a good option; due to their gummy texture and taste, your child might tolerate gummies better than CBD oil.

Ask your child’s doctor or therapist about recommended options first. It’s also a good idea to do some research online and compare the top brands and prices before buying a suitable brand for your child.

Physical Fitness

 Another important aspect of good health is fitness. All of us require exercise to be healthy, including children, and it’s important for you to set an example. Also, as a parent, it’s up to you to provide opportunities for your kids.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should encourage your children to participate in activities that are enjoyable, age-appropriate, and varied. Kids require activities that build their bones, strengthen their muscles, and work them aerobically. Some experts suggest exercising alongside your kids.

Exercising together is a great way to set an example while also enjoying family time. You can go for walks after supper, turn on upbeat music and dance together, and even make household chores or yard work into a workout by amping up the pace.

 Playing Outdoors

 Time spent in the great outdoors is another key to health and well-being. Some of the benefits to children of spending time in nature include improved imagination, less risk for behavioral issues, and reduced risk for obesity.

Children who play outside appear to be less inclined to have depression or anxiety issues and experience better cognitive development.

Time in nature fosters healthier relationships and encourages children to have better social skills. Unfortunately, with the increased use of electronic devices children spend less time than ever outdoors.

What’s more, in this day and age, many parents are concerned about public parks and safety for their children. It’s up to you to find safe opportunities for outdoor play.

One way to encourage your child to spend time outside is by installing a swing set (Walmart has swing sets for the little ones for as low as $75.19) in your own backyard.

It provides your youngster with a safe and convenient place to enjoy nature and be active. However, make sure you select a swing set model suitable for your child’s age and abilities, as different play sets offer different sizes and features.

You should also take an inventory of your backyard to ensure you are providing a safe environment. For instance, Highlights recommends removing lawn equipment, poisonous plants, and other hazards, or securing them where they are inaccessible.

Decks and patio areas should be safe and sturdy. Make repairs to loose or broken boards, address raised nails or screws, and ensure slats in fencing are close enough to prevent injuries.

Also, if your child shows an interest in a particular sport, don’t hesitate to foster that enthusiasm. Find local leagues, help them find other kids their age to play with, and get them the gear they need.

Of course, since equipment can cost quite a bit of money, it’s important to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth; for example, if they’re playing soccer, look at online reviews to find the best soccer cleats within your price range.

You can also look into second-hand gear by shopping at retailers such as Play It Again Sports.

Take steps to help your children make healthy choices. Be a good role model, opt for reputable supplements, and provide opportunities for your child to spend time outside.

Your kids can grow to be healthy, happy adults with the great foundation you lay now, and you can do all of that without spending a lot of money in the process!

 

Like this blog?  Check out more great tips from Amanda Henderson at her site safechildren.info.

Image by annaharmsthiessen from Pixabay 

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