It’s important to teach a healthy lifestyle for children.  We’d like to share some tips to make that easier.

Set an example for your kids

Young children learn by imitating their parents.  You can tell your kids to eat their vegetables, but they’ll notice if you never put anything green on your own plate.

Children will learn from you how to look after their health.  Therefore, ensure that regular check-ups are part of their routine.  This includes chiropractic care as well as dentists and optometrists.   Chiropractic care is not just for adults—children have spines too.  Injuries to the musculo-skeletal system can have long lasting effects.

Plan outings where kids can eat well, move their bodies, and learn:  a trip to the zoo, miniature golf, a trip to the beach, a hike on a trail.

Consider your children’s interests and aptitudes.  Encourage them to choose a team, club or class that will get them moving.  It doesn’t matter if they prefer karate, dance, soccer or swimming.  What matters is that they pick an activity that they enjoy and will want to take part in.

If your children don’t have a regular chiropractor, Sheppard Chiropractic Centre is accepting new patients of all ages.  Make an appointment for your child by phoning (506) 635-8182 or (506) 847-7172.

Help your kids learn why healthy choices are healthy

Children learn by asking why.  If they understand the reason for a decision, they’ll be more likely to choose wisely in the future.

For example, children don’t automatically know that soda pop is full of sugar and caffeine.  You can tell them to drink water instead of pop, but you’ll do better if you also tell them why they should choose water.  Water quenches thirst; human bodies need water.  Pop has caffeine, sugar, and artificial ingredients, and doesn’t satisfy thirst.

Tailor explanations to the age of your children.  Young children can understand that eating vegetables and protein gives their body “building blocks” to help it grow big and strong.  Older children will be able to learn the names of vitamins and minerals and what kinds of foods contain them.

When kids understand the reasons why, they have knowledge they need to make their own good decisions when they grow up.