Start them young: Training toddlers to youngsters in healthy ways

 As parents, we spend a lot of time teaching our children how to behave in polite and respectful ways. However, sometimes in our haste to get them to learn, we resort to less than ideal methods of training them. This blog post will  explore some positive ways to encourage healthy habits and behavior in toddlers and young children without being too strict or harsh.

1) Make life fun:

To help children learn healthy habits and behavior, make life fun! Play games with them, read stories together, take them on hiking trips or even to amusement parks, and reward their good behavior. Spend time talking to them about their interests and feelings. Show your love for them by hugging and kissing them often. Make learning enjoyable by using songs to remember things or building blocks of what they're trying to understand. Praise their efforts and be patient when teaching new skills.

2) Set a good example:

It is important for parents to teach their children how to be polite and respectful. To do this in a positive way, make life fun for your kids. Play games with them, read stories together, take them outside and reward their good behavior.

Encourage learning with fun activities like singing or drawing pictures. Be patient when teaching new skills and always try to lead by example. Children need to know that whatever is expected from them will be demonstrated by their parents by expecting the same behavior from yourself.

3) Make it about them:

It is important to help children learn healthy habits and behavior. To do this, make life fun with games, stories and outdoor exploration. Children need to know that they are important and play an important role especially in a family surrounding. Be patient when teaching new skills and lead by example: be kind, honest, responsible, and respectful towards them.  

Allow children to be part of certain decision makings in the home, that way they will feel part of the family, but also feel that they belong and they have a place in the community as well.

4) Surety of healthy bodies:

Healthy bodies are so important, and in today's world there are many professionals that can assist you as parents,  like pediatricians and nutritionists. Ensure your children have balanced diets, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. Limit screen time and encourage outdoor play.

Model healthy habits yourself by eating well and staying active. Teach them about nutrition in an age appropriate way. Take them for regular checkups and dental appointments. Healthy bodies will lead to healthy minds and happier children. Taking them for treatments such as MetroEHS Pediatric Therapy  will also benefit them greatly.

Via Pexels

5) Sport and recreations:

Sports and recreation are important for healthy bodies. Getting them involved in sport at school and even at the community sports center will help them learn teamwork skills, make friends and keep active. Try swimming lessons, tennis, basketball or whatever they enjoy.

Limit screen time and encourage outdoor activities. Play together as a family too. Whether it is going to the park, riding bikes or having picnics, spending time together exercising and playing will strengthen your bond and teach them about balance in life.

6) Quality time outdoors as family:

Spending time outdoors as a family is important. Go to the park, ride bikes or have picnics together. Exercise and play together to help strengthen your bond. It teaches kids about balance in life too! Limit screen time and encourage outdoor activities like swimming lessons, tennis or basketball. Have fun while  teaching them positive behaviors and the importance of family time outside without distraction from technology.

7) Integrity and respect:

Teaching integrity and respect to children starts from an early age. As toddlers, teach them to use 'please' and 'thank you', wait their turn, share toys, and be honest about mistakes. As they get older, encourage them to keep promises, respect others belongings, use kind words even when upset, and stand up against bullying or unfairness. 

Model these behaviors yourself through your own actions. Discuss situations that require integrity or respect and how to handle them. Praise them when you notice them showing these qualities. Though it takes time, consistency and leading by example will help instill integrity and respect in children.

In conclusion,   being a good role model as a parent by showing love, encouraging learning, maintaining healthy habits and spending quality time together will help children develop into happy, healthy and well-rounded individuals. While it is challenging, the rewards of parenting with patience, positivity and integrity are worth it.