| 10 Ways to Help Preschool Children Learn Healthy | | | | be reminded that it will help them lose weight and it |
| Lifestyle Habits | | | | should never be used as a way to make them lose |
| Children as young as age two are already being | | | | weight. Once exercise becomes work, it stops being |
| affected by adult illnesses such as heart disease, | | | | fun and children will not want to do it. |
| diabetes, asthma, obesity and stress disorders. Give | | | | 6. Include a healthy diet. Eating healthy foods |
| them an early boost at developing healthy habits with | | | | provides energy to fuel activity. When preschoolers |
| these 10 tips. | | | | eat too much fat, sugar and salt, they won't feel as |
| 1. Choose activities that come naturally. Abilities that | | | | good. Endurance, strength, and motivation will all be |
| come easy to your child will offer many rewards. | | | | affected. Don't let a poor diet sabotage a good |
| Stay away from skills that are frustrating or that | | | | exercise routine. |
| your child dislikes. | | | | 7. Try new things. Experiment with different sports, |
| 2. Make sure activities always have an element of | | | | games, activities and other forms of movement. No |
| "fun". Whether you structure the activity or a | | | | doubt your child will find other activities he/she |
| teacher, it should always leave your child wanting | | | | enjoys. Having the courage to try new things also |
| more. Preschoolers love acting silly and animated. If it | | | | builds confidence and self-esteem. |
| isn't fun, they won't want to do it. | | | | 8. Rest is important. Your preschool child needs at |
| 3. Make it a habit. Strive to make exercise another | | | | least 8 hours of sound rest each night. Lack of sleep |
| healthy habit practiced daily. Just like brushing teeth, | | | | can affect energy, levels, coordination, concentration, |
| combing hair and bathing, doing something physically | | | | learning and the immune system. Keep track of sleep |
| demanding everyday helps make exercise a routine | | | | time and make bedtime fun. |
| part of life. | | | | 9. Include variety. Sports skills, dancing, hiking or |
| 4. Rewards and Incentives. Offer a reward chart for | | | | running. Encourage movement that can be done alone |
| a special treat (other than food) when your child | | | | as well as in a group. Balance team activities with solo |
| exercises each day for the entire month. On a daily | | | | ones. |
| basis, give an occasional unexpected sticker, hand | | | | 10. Be active with your preschool child several times |
| stamp or hug. | | | | each week. Nothing speaks louder than your actions |
| 5. De-emphasize weight loss benefits. Accentuate | | | | or implies value more than your personal habits. |
| how good exercise feels and how good it is in | | | | Exercise daily, with and without your child. |
| keeping us healthy. Preschool children do not need to | | | | |