The time has come that spring is upon us, and this is a great time to get out do fun activities with your children. I had the opportunity yesterday to take my daughter out to the park for the first time. Yesterday was such a beautiful day to enjoy the sun and get some physical activity. I was able to get some physical activity in for myself and introduce my daughter to some fun while bonding at the same time. As parents we play an important role in helping our children develop good health habits. I try to assure you that anything I write I have tried or definitely intend to try. In our household we believe that physical activity is important. There are so many benefits to being active and making healthful choices. It starts young. Healthy children eat well, live a physically active life and feel good about themselves and others. Children need encouragement from parents and other significant adults to develop healthful habits and attitudes.
Eating well
Parents help their children develop good eating habits when they:
nRegularly provide family meals and snacks.
nDo not pressure kids to eat foods they do not like.
nEncourage children to stop eating when full.
nOffer meals and snacks that are nutritious and good tasting.
nKeep mealtimes pleasant.
nTeach children how to deal with uncomfortable feelings without eating.
nAllow children to decide whether to eat and how much to eat.
nKeep the TV turned off during meals.
Living actively
Here are some ways parents can get their children moving:
nBe physically active role models.
nEncourage children to be moderately active at least 60 minutes on most days.
nMove the TV out of bedrooms.
nSet limits on the amount of time the family watches TV, works on the computer and plays video games.
nTeach children games that you liked as a child.
nMake opportunities for active family recreation, like playing ball or camping.
nVolunteer to help with your child’s after-school activities or sports.
Feeling good
To encourage children to feel good about themselves and others, moms and dads can:
nShow love and acceptance for every family member.
nRefrain from making negative comments about one’s own body or others’ bodies.
nGive children time and attention.
nReally listen when children talk.
nHelp children develop talents and skills through hobbies and helping with chores and projects.
nOffer sincere words of praise and encouragement.
nBe an advocate for your child with teachers, relatives, religious leaders and other adults.
I encourage those who subscribe to the newspapers to make comments under the articles written. All suggestions for articles to be written are welcomed, and if you would like to share any effects the articles written have had on your life or the life of someone you know, please share. We all can use encouragement. Also those who purchase papers may send me a note or request to my email address at jtb20@msstate.edu. I look forward to hearing from you.
•Contact Jennifer Russell at 453-6803 or jbrown@ext.-msstate.edu.
