Are you setting the example of healthy habits for your children? Review this list of five healthy habits every parent should strive to instill in children, and then find ways to make these goals practical for your life situation.

Teach your child to exercise. Unplug the TV, put away the video games, and get moving. Find an activity you and your child both enjoy, and then schedule regular time together. Some easy options are: play volley ball, shoot baskets, or go for a bike ride.

Teach your child to eat healthfully. This is tough to do here in America, where fast food is king and everyone thinks we should reward ourselves with junk food that’s actually killing us. Plan healthful meals, pack healthful lunches, and explain to your child why you’re making the menu choices you are. Give each meal a grade, explaining what are the healthiest and least healthy parts of the meal so your child will be equipped to make good choices later.

Teach your child the value of sleep. Lack of sleep makes us cranky, inhibits our ability to perform well academically, and contributes to overeating. Explain how important sleep is, and put kids to bed about 20-30 minutes before they need to be asleep so they have time to decompress.

Model how to handle stressful situations healthfully. Model strategies like counting to ten before answering (when angry), writing down thoughts before arguing, apologizing when you are wrong, and expressing what you need before blowing up. Show your child how to relieve stress through a walk or meditation.

Help your child make good friend choices. Talk through questionable friends, explaining to your child why this person might not be best for them. Support good friendships by inviting the child over and doing the legwork necessary to encourage time spent together.

Parenting is a tall order, but you wil find the strength to do it for your child. If you take these five habits seriously, you’ll set your child up to live healthfully.

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