Durdona Akhmatova

Helping Your Child: Tips for Parents and Other Caregivers
In this section:

• 
  Healthy Habits
  
• 
  Healthy Eating
  
• 
  Physical Activity
  

Parents and other caregivers can guide children to develop lifestyle habits that will support their good health for years to come. We know that as a parent or caregiver you may not have all the answers. Like many Americans, you may even struggle to develop and stick with healthy habits of your own. One way to win this double struggle is to practice healthy lifestyle habits—together!
Consuming healthful foods and beverages, doing regular physical activity, getting adequate sleep, and other factors may help children to

• 
  grow
  
• 
  learn
  
• 
  build strong bones and muscles
  
• 
  maintain a healthy weight
  
• 
  reduce future chances of developing diabetes and heart disease
  
• 
  feel good about themselves
  

Practice staying physically active as a family.
Healthy Habits
How can I help my child form healthy habits?
As a parent or caregiver, you play a big part in shaping children's eating and drinking habits. When you make it a habit to consume foods and beverages that are low in added sugars, saturated fat, and salt and are high in fiber, the children you care for may learn to like these foods as well. If a child you are caring for does not like a new food right away, don't be upset. Children often need to see a new food many times before they will try it.
Be a role model. As a parent or caregiver, you also have an effect on children's physical activity. You do not need to be an expert at any activity. Just get up, move, and show children how much fun being active can be. They may grow to like it too. You can set a good example by going for a walk or riding a bike instead of watching TV, playing a video game, or surfing the internet. Find an activity that you enjoy and can do together.