by Christine Dunbar

Created on: May 29, 2009

So you want your child to be healthy? Most of us parents do too. The first step is to identify your child's habits, and I mean all of their habits. Hygiene, bathroom use, eating, television/video game time, activities, reading; you get the picture! Which ones are they good at and which ones could use some work? Next think of the ways that you and your child could improve on each of these skills. Vitamins in the morning, a set homework time, church/meditation time or a set out side time. Anything that you feel could help your child health improve mentally and spiritually. Make a list of all of your ideas!

Most importantly, after you have thought about it, you should sit down with your child and discuss it, attempt to include all of the family members who will participate. Explain your concerns and ask your child for his or her opinion's. Don't forget to tell them the thing's they do well and why. What do they think about trying to be more healthy? In order for your plan to help them to work, you need them on your side. Just remember not to say anything insulting or demeaning, I even suggest that you try to get the whole family involved. It is so much easier if the child does not feel singled out, also change is generally easier when you have a partner changing too. Besides, I have found that when the child feels as though they are helping they generally put more of an effort into it.

Everyone could eat better, after all where do you think those eating habits came from? We have gradually been increasing our portion sizes since the 1950s, so start by making the portions a little smaller one week. Then in two more weeks reduce the gradually again. Don't forget about activity, have family walk day, park day or try a gardening day. Something that gets you all outside and sweating! As for the hygiene; this can be a bit tricky. You can't really get in the shower with your teen and wash behind their ears for them. So my suggestion is that you have a schedule. The more the schedule is used the easier it gets! Now for those kids who just like to jump in the shower and jump out; how about a time limit? Maybe poke your head in the door just to check in? Children are sneaky, but what they do not know is that we used to be sneaky children too!

This whole task will depend on what you want to change hygiene, eating or even how they express themselves. It is all up to you; try a journal where they can keep track of their own successes and back slides. Have a family chart in the kitchen or bedroom, a lot of times it is easier to keep making progress if you can see how far you've come!

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