StudyFinds reports that new parents conduct over two-thousand internet searches about childcare per year, about six searches a day. Maybe this article was a part of your daily research!
If you are first-time parents, you likely feel overwhelmed, but take a deep breath and keep reading these tips for raising healthy children.
1. Schedule and Attend Routine Checkups
Bringing your child to routine checkups with your family pediatrician is integral for a growing child. Infants without special health issues typically attend six wellness visits to track developmental milestones. During the first few years of life, children also receive necessary vaccinations against devastating but preventable diseases.
Well child care visits should occur every three to six months and by the age of 4, you can transition to yearly checkups. Dental visits should occur within six months of the start of teething.
2. Support Their Mental and Emotional Health
Encourage your children to put their emotions into words. For example, if your child is visibly angry or upset, say something like, “I notice you look frustrated; how are you feeling?”
Help them process the situation and avoid belittling their feelings. For example, if your child acts out of anger, explain that it’s okay to be mad and offer healthy outlets.
Scheduling family activities like a day or eating dinner together are simple acts to start when learning how to be a better parent. Spending quality time in these ways encourages better communication and fosters good self-esteem.
3. Provide a Healthy, Diverse Diet
Having family meals together encourages healthy eating habits and better choices. At the dinner table, offer your child a variety of options to choose from. If you’re introducing a new food, have another alternative you know they’ll eat.
Avoid putting certain foods on a pedestal or calling them bad. If you plan to have dessert, consider serving it alongside dinner. It helps curb fixation on special treats and allows the child to eat slower.
It’s not always easy to get picky children to eat a varied diet. But, a little pickiness isn’t a bad thing so long as your child is getting the nutrition they need.
However, understand when picky eating goes beyond preference. ARFID (avoidant/restrictive feeding intake disorder) is an extreme form of picky eating or lack of interest in food. Severe dietary restrictions could lead to malnourishment, weakened immune function, gastrointestinal issues, and more.
4. Get Active
Parents and caregivers are the best role models in a child’s life. Set a good example for your child by living an active lifestyle and encouraging them to enjoy physical activity too. This can include dancing, going for a walk, and introducing different sports.
Raising Healthy Children as First-Time Parents Simplified
As first-time parents, you necessarily know how your child-rearing style will influence your child. Try not to let this overwhelm you and enlist the help of your family doctor and community.
If you found the parenting tips for raising healthy children helpful, take a look at the rest of our health and wellness advice on this site!