As a man, there is no greater joy in life than being a father. It is an unspoken rule that parents look after their children, making sure that they are healthy, happy and thriving. For all the great dads out there who are interested in keeping their kids healthy, we’ve rounded up some helpful tips to try.
Keep in mind that children are not little adults, and they need your constant guidance, not only to stay healthy but also to grow, in beautiful and unique ways.
1). Cooking at home
In this fast-paced age, you may be tempted to choose fast food over home-cooked meals. However, you must remember that children are still growing, and they need the right foods to stay healthy. Cooking at home can be a fun experience, teaching kids how to be responsible and take care of themselves at the same time. Kids love being involved in such projects, no matter how small their assignments are. Plus, they’ll be excited to see the final product and, why not, taste it. Bonus: when you cook at home, you’re more likely to choose healthy foods, rather than ordering or buying fast food.
2). Fruits & Vegetables
It is a known fact that children learn by example. If you want your kids to love fruits and vegetables in their life then you should eat them regularly too. Daily consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables ensures a high fiber diet, which is beneficial for you and your children. Make sure you prepare different and colorful food, so that your child doesn’t get bored and reject the food you make. Also, keep in mind that fruits are best consumed fresh and ripe, to provide the maximum amount of vitamins and minerals.
Recommended fruits for children include apples, berries, bananas, melons, mandarins and kiwis. For vegetables, the following are suitable: carrots, celery, bell peppers, broccoli and cauliflower. On the other hand, you should refrain from giving your child fruit juices, as they are high in sugar and low in fibre.
3). Sport with dad
For many children, it is the father who is tied to sports and physical activity in general. Whenever you have free time, don’t spend your afternoon watching TV. Instead, take your child for a walk. Go skating, play basketball, or visit a public swimming pool. Listen to your kids and try to take them somewhere fun. Always make sure that they are given the possibility to choose so that they also enjoy the physical activity. And, remember, involving children in sports from a young age is more than advisable, because it builds their self-esteem and at the same time helps them stay healthy.
4). NO SMOKING
As an adult, you have complete freedom to do what you want. But, at the same time, you have to think about your actions and the consequences they may have. Smoking is not only dangerous for you, as a parent, but also for your children, because they breathe the same air as you. By choosing not to smoke, you are making one of the best decisions, teaching your children that one can quit a bad habit. At the same time, you will ensure that you will stay healthy for a long time, watching your children grow and turn into responsible adults.
Also read: 5 Important Tips on How to Quit Smoking
5). Proper hygiene
Fathers are role models for children, especially when it comes to sons. However, even if you have a daughter, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t shoulder the responsibility of teaching her proper hygiene. Hand washing is an important activity for children to learn, as it can reduce the spread of many conditions by a significant proportion. Children should be taught how to wash their hands and, most importantly, when (before and after eating, after going to the toilet, after playing with pets, etc.).
These are just a few tips that fathers can use to ensure that their children maintain excellent health. It is very important to remember and understand that children look up to their parents, take them as role models. Fathers often find themselves in the center of attention, so it’s their responsibility to make sure they are a useful example to follow.
As a parent, you will always have something new to learn. Don’t be afraid to adapt to every new situation and work to develop the best interests of your child/children. If you eat a healthy diet, it is guaranteed that your child will follow your example and enjoy good health too.
