5 Practical Tips to Improve Childhood Health and Wellness

Parenting can be a complex job. There are many things that you need to teach your children, and it can be challenging at times. The good news is that there are resources available to help you while also improving children’s health and wellness.

This article focuses on some of the most common childhood health issues and then provides 5 popular parenting tips that can make your life a little easier. Read on!

Childhood health stats – an overview

Here are some of the latest facts about childhood health to highlight the current state of play.

Childhood obesity rates continue to be a concern. According to the World Health Organization, the number of overweight or obese children under the age of five has risen from 32 million globally in 1990 to 41 million in 2016.
Mental health issues in children are on the rise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the percentage of children aged 6-17 years with diagnosed anxiety and depression has increased in recent years.
Lack of physical activity is a growing problem. According to the World Health Organization, 81% of adolescents aged 11-17 years worldwide do not meet the recommended guidelines of at least one hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day.
Immunizations are critical for preventing disease. Vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective in preventing many infectious diseases. However, vaccine hesitancy remains a concern and has led to outbreaks of preventable diseases such as measles in some parts of the world.
Technology use can have both positive and negative effects on childhood health. While technology can provide educational and social benefits, excessive screen time has been linked to obesity, poor sleep, and developmental delays in young children.

In light of these facts, let’s discuss some tips to help address these challenges while improving the health and wellbeing of our kids.

1. Prioritise family time

Family time is important because it provides a sense of belonging and acceptance. Family time is important because it helps strengthen relationships between family members and provides a sense of security.

Family time can be anything from a simple dinner to celebrating a milestone together. It can also include anything that the family does together, such as playing games, going to the supermarket, or just watching a show together at home.

According to a study published in the Journal of Family Psychology, shared leisure time was positively associated with better family functioning and communication.

Another study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family found that children who spent more time with their parents in structured activities had better academic and social outcomes.

2. Address aches and pains

Does your child complain about frequent aches and pains? Perhaps they haven’t got the best posture? Many parents are taking their children to see chiropractors to sort out these issues.

A chiropractor is a healthcare practitioner who focuses on the spine and the musculoskeletal system. Paediatric chiropractors are knowledgeable in the latest research and techniques to address spinal issues. A chiropractor for children may see patients from newborns to teenagers.

One of the main objectives of a chiropractor is to reduce pressure that leads to pain or other symptoms such as back pain. This can be accomplished by performing a spinal manipulation or soft tissue therapy.

Chiropractors often work with younger bodies and have detailed knowledge of the body, anatomy, biophysics, the nervous system and more.

3. Make sure they eat healthy foods

A healthy diet is important for children because it helps them grow and develop. Children who eat a healthy diet are less likely to develop health issues.

A healthy diet is not just about eating vegetables, fruit and whole grains. It includes foods that provide protein such as meat, fish, and beans. It also includes dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yoghurt to help grow strong bones and teeth.

Here are some suggestions to promote healthy eating habits:

at mealtimes, sit as a family without gadgets like phones or tablets
make healthy foods interesting by cutting fruit or sandwiches into interesting shapes, for example seasonal fruits and vegetables may be served
learn about how different foods are grown together
allow your children to help you with food shopping and actual cooking
experiment with new cuisines and recipes
reduce the amount of junk food you keep in your house
keep a bowl of fruit or carrot sticks on hand for quick snacks.

A healthy diet is important for children. It can help them grow up to be stronger and healthier. The Harvard School of Public Health has a great visual guide on what a child’s healthy plate looks like, simply search for it online.

4. Encourage healthy sleeping patterns

One way to promote your child’s wellness is by promoting healthy sleeping patterns.

The National Sleep Foundation has found that more than 60% of kids and teens in the United States are not getting enough sleep. This may lead to health issues.

Parents may encourage healthy sleeping patterns for kids by:

setting a regular bedtime
ensuring there is enough time for sleep
limiting screen time before bed.
Sleeping for a sufficient amount of time each day is important for the development of your child.

5. Prioritise physical activity

Another great tip to keep kids healthy is to encourage regular physical activity. This can include outdoor play, organised sports, dance classes, or simply going for a family walk or bike ride. Regular physical activity helps to build strong muscles and bones, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce the risk of obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes. It can also promote healthy brain development and improve mood and mental health.

Encouraging kids to be active from a young age can help establish healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

Wrap up

Overall, promoting healthy lifestyles that include regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and preventive healthcare, are crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of children.