Keeping a child healthy is one of the most challenging things a parent has to do. The first-time parents often find it even harder because they usually don’t have the relevant experience. However, you don’t have to put too much pressure on yourself; you only need to take a few steps in the right direction to keep your kid strong and healthy. Here are tips to help you stay safe and healthy.
Encourage Them to Play
Nowadays, kids love using smart devices, which helps improve their digital literacy and creativity. However, you should limit their screen time and encourage them to play outside. This will allow them to participate in physical activities that will improve their health. You can also invite them to your evening walks or jogs or play with them.
Wash Hands Frequently
The percentage of germs that kids collect on their hands is very high. They can transfer them to their bodies and risk getting infections. Therefore, they should wash their hands before meals, after using the bathroom, after playing, and after touching the pets. Also, they should wash their hands after coughing or sneezing, especially when they are sick.
They should use only soap or gentle cleansers with water. Don’t go overboard with chemical cleaners because they might also destroy the skin and the good bacteria that protect your child.
Observe Oral Health
Most oral issues affecting adults stem from poor childhood oral care. Thus, you should help your kids maintain good oral health. First, make sure they brush their teeth at least twice a day and remind the older ones to floss too. It would also help to take them for regular dental checkups.
If your child has crowded or unshaped teeth, a competent dentist can recommend orthodontic clear aligners to fix the problem. If the kid is too young to use the aligners, the dentist will help you choose the right treatment for your child, depending on their age. Observing oral health will save your child from many dental issues.
Give Them Healthy Foods
Kids always have an enormous craving for junk foods. Hence, you need to be careful and give them healthy foods that contain all the required nutrients. Their plates should never miss fruits and vegetables. You might fight with them for replacing snacks with fruits, but this is a good move that will boost their immune system and metabolism.
However, you shouldn’t ban junk food completely. The kids might end up craving junk foods more, which could lead to eating disorders. Give them controlled portions of junk food once a week, probably on weekends. Also, explain to them why they have to eat healthy foods to reduce the chances of resistance.
Encourage Adequate Sleep
Your child should get enough sleep, about 10-12 hours, but teenagers can sleep for 8-9 hours. Therefore, you should be very strict with bedtime.
Allow Them to Show Emotions
It is not healthy to dismiss your child when they cry, laugh, or express other emotions. Allow them to share their feelings and then talk to them when they are calm. Shaming them could lead to emotional and mental issues. Also, respect their sentiments; if they don’t feel like going swimming on Saturday, let them stay home but seek to understand why they made such a decision.
Keeping your child healthy should not be a complicated process. You only need to know what is right for your child and provide it. With the tips in this guide, you will likely find it easy to keep your child safe and healthy.
