Tips For Raising Happy & Healthy Kids

Parenting is a rewarding role, but can also be challenging at times. There’s a lot to think about and get done on any given day. However, it’s important that you make your loved ones a priority.

You have the opportunity to be a good role model and give your kids the skills and knowledge they need to grow up to be successful adults. It’s never too late to rethink your approach or try some new tactics that may help you get the results you desire.

Here you can review some tips for raising happy and healthy kids. 

Practice Open Communication & Be an Active Listener

You want your kids to trust you and look to you for advice and support. Avoid arguments in your household by practicing open and honest communication. You want your kids to feel comfortable coming to you when they are facing struggles or are in need of guidance on a matter.

Make sure that when they do approach you, you are an active listener and eliminate any distractions. Keep in mind that sometimes they simply want someone to talk to and for you to listen instead of offering up your opinion. Work on being non-judgmental and assisting them with effectively managing their emotions. 

Encourage Learning & Reading in the Household

Another tip for raising happy and healthy kids is to encourage learning and reading in the household. You want your kids to look forward to school and be inspired to want to take in new information and develop their skills.

Set up a dedicated room and a timeframe to complete homework each night, and offer to help them if they need it. Reading with your kids is a great way to improve their vocabulary and apply their imagination and creativity.

Take the time to learn more about what reading stage they should be in at what age and the age-appropriate sight words they should be learning. Practicing reading at home will help ensure they can progress and be more successful when they are in school. 

Demonstrate Healthy Habits

Your kids are always watching and observing you. This is your opportunity to demonstrate how to live a healthy lifestyle and the importance of it. You can raise happy and healthy kids by encouraging healthy habits at home.

For example, you can have a set bedtime routine and bedtime schedule for them so they wake up feeling refreshed. If you're someone who enjoys exercise, then find activities to do with your kids or join a family gym.

You can also encourage them to help you out in the kitchen and work together to cook nutritious meals to eat. You want to make sure that you prepare your kids to be able to take good care of themselves in their adult years when they are no longer living with you. 

Spend Quality Time as A Family

Your kids ultimately want your love and attention. Put a smile on their faces and build a stronger bond by spending quality time as a family. There are many activities and hobbies you can do as a group that will be fun and entertaining.

It will also motivate you to practice having a better work-life balance and not overdoing it in any one area of your life. It may help to schedule a consistent and regular movie and game night during the week.

You can also sprinkle in some additional activities on the weekends when there is more free time. Make it a point to put your phone away and be fully present in the moment. Quality time together is a great way to build a stronger bond and enjoy one another’s company. 

Limit Screen Time & Technology

Technology is useful and helps you work smarter, and can be quite entertaining. It’s the reason why so many kids love it and want to be on their tablets all the time. However, too much screen time may be making them feel more anxious and disconnected.

As a parent, it’s your job to limit screen time and technology use in your household. Have set times and time limits as to when they can be on their devices and then encourage them to do other activities that are more interactive.

You may also want to consider scheduling play dates with their friends so they can see them outside of school and get more comfortable with socializing. 

Have Family Dinners

You want to make sure that you create a solid family foundation for your kids. It’s important to connect and all get on the same page. One way to do so is to have family dinners together each night at home.

Dinner time is a chance to enjoy a good meal as a group and exchange ideas and information on various topics. You can share about your days or discuss upcoming events that you are participating in. Get your kids more involved by having them set the table or clean up after you’re done eating.

Stick with it and you’re likely to notice that your relationship with your kids gets better over time. 

Practice Patience

Your kids are going to test you throughout the years. It’s important to set boundaries and make sure you communicate your expectations for them. Of course, nobody's perfect, and your kids are going to make mistakes along the way.

It’s wise to practice patience and catch yourself before you overreact. The more patient you are, the more likely it is that you will have a positive outcome from whatever type of situation you’re dealing with.

If you find yourself getting worked up or feeling upset, try to take a step back to breathe and think about what you want to say and how to respond before you speak or act. 

Conclusion

These tips are going to help you raise happy and healthy kids to be proud of. Give yourself a chance to implement these ideas and see what works best in your household. While the days can be long sometimes, the years go by fast, and you want to make sure you enjoy each moment as it unfolds.

Give yourself credit for wanting to be the best parent possible, even in the face of adversity.