Well-being starts at home
Kids are little sponges. Whether it’s exercise or diet, our actions, behaviors, and habits can influence children well into adulthood. … But hey, no pressure!
Of course, no parent is perfect, but if your goal is to raise well-rounded, healthy adults, it helps to keep in mind these five dimensions of well-being: emotional, physical, financial, community, and occupational.
To instill healthy habits for the long haul, here are tips for each of these five dimensions:
- Emotional
- Aim to create an environment where children feel safe expressing their feelings.
- Encourage open conversations about their experiences, show empathy, and validate their feelings.
- Whether or not you follow a particular religion, you can encourage your child’s spiritual well-being through mindfulness and gratitude.
- Try simple activities like deep breathing or nature walks. Encourage gratitude by having them share something they’re thankful for each day.
- Physical
- Integrate movement into daily routines. By demonstrating how exercise is a fun part of life, you’ll be setting kids on a path toward lifelong health.
- In addition to modeling healthy eating, one way to get your child interested in fruits and vegetables is to give them power of choice. Involve them in gardening, grocery shopping, and cooking.
- The environment also impacts physical health—whether it’s your home or the larger environment. Consider using nontoxic cleaners and pest control, and teach kids about recycling, composting, and conservation efforts.
- Other ways to lead by example for physical health: See your doctor for checkups, make brushing and flossing a fun nightly routine, and get recommended vaccines.
Financial
It’s never too early to instill financial literacy and help your child learn the power of earning, saving, and budgeting.
- Provide an allowance for chores and suggest odd jobs around the house or in the neighborhood to earn extra money.
- Next time your child has a certain big-ticket item in mind, offer to cover some or most of the cost, and let your child save enough to contribute in a significant way.
- Community
- You can help your child build healthy relationships by modeling respectful communication.
- Provide opportunities for your child to develop relationships with peers. Like all of us, children need practice to learn social skills. Social interactions develop essential skills like cooperation, conflict resolution, and empathy.
- Volunteer! There are many kid-friendly options to fit a variety of abilities and interests. A few possibilities: Run errands for an elderly neighbor, host a bake sale and donate the proceeds to a local charity, or walk dogs at an animal shelter.
- Occupational
- While kids don’t have jobs, per se, age-appropriate chores can instill a strong work ethic and sense of accomplishment. Research suggests children who do chores exhibit higher self-esteem, are more responsible, and are better equipped to deal with adversity.
- Providing an array of educational experiences for your child helps foster a love of learning. Read together, visit museums, or explore nature.
- Encourage curiosity and critical thinking, and support their interests and hobbies.