Tips for Raising Healthier, Happier Children
Upbringing is a primary factor when it comes to physical
and mental wellness throughout life, as researched by psychologist Erik Erikson. For many
years, kids look to their parents to learn reasoning, which leaves the parents
with all of the decision-making for a while. And if an adult’s behavior is
faulty, this can badly influence their young.
Listed below are some helpful actions you can
incorporate in your child’s daily life to promote a thriving childhood.
Physical exercise
Keeping an infant active means caring for their health
without leaving the fun behind. Instead of letting them interact with virtual
games and places, why not take them to the park or playground for enriching
experiences? Going for daily walks and even playing tag outside can promote
wellbeing in the long run.
It takes as little as 30 minutes of sunlight a day to
give them a boost in vitamin D levels. A little
goes a long way, so a bit of daily exercise should be enough to improve blood
circulation, immunity, and sleep. For babies, even a tickle monster session can
be an exciting exercise. Really, anything that keeps them happy and moving.
Try to make exercise a family habit. Adults are their
kids’ role models, so help them grow accustomed to an active lifestyle.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy consists of using
essential oils for therapeutic purposes. Essential oils are generally safe and
have varied uses when it comes to a baby’s wellbeing. They can be applied to
treat diaper rashes and other skin conditions when diluted in a carrier oil, as
they’re not harsh on the skin and don’t cause skin thinning, like it may happen
with topical steroids.
These oils can also be diffused
around babies, to promote faster healing of colds or seasonal allergies, and
also to calm anxiety. You should avoid using them if your baby is less than
three months old, since pediatricians don’t recommend their use around
newborns.
When used as directed by a
health care practitioner, essential oils pose no risk for your baby and can be
extremely beneficial. Safe-for-children oils include chamomile, bergamot,
lavender, sandalwood, and pure rose oil.
Regular medical
visits and exams
Pediatricians are parents’ best friends. It’s common for
first-timers to fret over a common fever or a mild cold, especially with
newborns and toddlers. Though the American Academy of Pediatrics
suggests that fevers are generally not a cause for concern and should resolve
on their own, periodic appointments are necessary to clear any doubts.
Furthermore, screenings and x-rays can spot the early
onset of certain illnesses, as well as prevent them from developing. Though
your child might find the procedures scary at times, rest assured the devices
used for this purpose (like the Pigg-o-stat) are totally safe and
tailored for infants.
Proper nutrition
All children come to this world with an unprepared
immune system. We can only do so much about it, but you can start by properly
sustaining your little one. After a baby stops breastfeeding, a lot of parents
are unsure of how to proceed with the diet.
Around four to six months, babies can start ingesting
baby food, which are usually purees with soft yet solid pieces. However, that
doesn’t mean you should always buy ready-to-eat food--there are easy and
nourishing recipes available online.
Feeding them nutritious portions
at the right time may reduce the risk of allergies, so get
a heads up from a pediatrician to start incorporating veggies and fruits to
your baby’s diet. Starting early will get their palate used to eating healthy
throughout their entire childhood.
Happiness will follow a regimen that’s abundant in
health. Parents who care for their children’s wellness and teach them to do the
same are bound to enjoy the best and most playful years of their lives.
