How to Promote Wellness, Nutrition Health and Safety for Young Children

Getting the little ones to embrace healthy habits and widen their palettes for nutritious meals might be easier than you think. From offering them fun ways to exercise while at play to slowly switching out unhealthy snacks with those rich in nutrition, there are several ways you can get your kids excited about living healthier lifestyles.

Instructions

• 1

  Make good food choices from breakfast to dinner. Substitute bad foods that are high in fat and calories with those that are great for their growing bodies such as whole grains, lean meats and sugar-free juices. Teach kids to have proper portion control in their food selections. Work on activities that teach how much is enough. Don't allow your kids to eat only the things they like, start now to give them options for healthy food.

• 2

  Pack an exciting lunch for your kids. Fill their lunch box with plenty of healthy snacks they can enjoy. Make it a colorful explosion, when they see a bright red apple, long yellow banana or a bundle of pretzels. Purchase several snack options and let them pick out their snack item every night when you're packing their lunch. This teaches them early-on to take healthier alternatives.

• 3

  Teach them how to practice good hygiene. Practice flushing the toilet, washing their hands and covering their mouth. Set up a simple reward system for young ones in the beginning stages of training, so they receive a gold star if they remembered certain good habits.

• 4

  Make kitchen safety an important part of your plan for your kids. From staying away from fire -- to not touching sharp knives -- understand that these lessons are just as important as teaching them what to eat.

• 5

  Get them up and moving. Use playful tactics such as dancing, kickball and even running around with the dog to introduce them to other ways to work towards a physically fit lifestyle. Take a family walk together after dinner and commit to a healthy plan as an entire household.

• 6

  Participate in local health and fitness events. Check your local events guide for fitness festivals or family fun-run marathons. Take advantage of community events to get your little ones walking around, even if it's just spending the day at the farmer's market or out at the park.