How do I Explain to Children the Importance of Vitamins & Health?

A healthy lifestyle that includes eating healthy foods to provide your body with proper nutrients and vitamins should be instilled in children at a young age. Children like foods that are familiar to them, so offer your children healthy choices starting when they begin to eat table foods. Vitamin supplements are also important to a healthy lifestyle, especially for picky toddlers. Vitamin D, a vitamin crucial to bone health, is one vitamin many kids do not get enough of. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends vitamin D supplements in breastfed infants, children, and teens.

Instructions

• 1

  Educate yourself on the importance of vitamins and healthy eating. Information can be found online on the American Heart Association's website, or your doctor can provide information for you.

• 2

  Create an example of how each vitamin helps your body and what food you can get that vitamin from. For example, vitamin A is found in carrots and is good for your eyesight.

• 3

  Involve your child in healthy meal preparation. Explain to your child what vitamins are in the food you are preparing and using the examples you have created.

• 4

  Allow your child to choose healthy meal and snack recipes that appeal to him. Have your child help make the grocery list using the recipes and accompany you to the store to pick the ingredients.

• 5

  Stock your refrigerator and pantry with healthy food options. Have items readily available for your child to snack on.

• 6

  Introduce a multivitamin, or other vitamin supplement, as recommended by your child's pediatrician. Explain why the child must take it, and how it will help his body grow and remain healthy.

• 7

  Be a positive role model. Eat healthy foods and take your vitamins. Children learn through what they see adults doing.