Believe it or not but what you teach your child from a young age goes well beyond the genes you give them. As your children grow up into adults they usually take on your health beliefs and model health related choices, so it’s a good idea that you choose the right path for them.
Here are a few tips to help you along the way;
1. Instil a sense of wonder about the body.
Many adults fear and distrust what their body is telling them. They see the body as fragile and illness is just waiting to pounce. The constant myth about catching a cold without a coat on still persists and kids are listening when you tell them this. In fact they listen to everything you say, from when you look in the mirror and say, “I’m fat,” or “I don’t like my nose,” causing them to start scrutinising their body too.
The truth is your body is the most miraculous mechanical system on the planet. Cuts heal without a single thought or action on your part. Your immune system is like your own personal security system, protecting you from bacterial and viral terrorists.
Make sure your child knows that they have a healthy and strong body. Show them that cuts can heal in now time and that their legs are super strong to run fast over long distances. Point out that they have hands which give them the ability to draw, carry, hold etc. Giving your child something positive to think about will definitely boost their confidence in themselves and their body.
2. Become a student of the human body with your child.
As your child starts to form his/her own opinions and thoughts, they will begin to ask questions about how their bodies work and not having the answers can be a problem for you and your child. Showing your discomfort in not knowing the answer can discourage your child from asking more questions about their body.
No one has all the answers and no one is expecting you to. But why not look for the answers with your child. Buy a child appropriate book about the body which they can read and learn about with you to answer anything they don’t understand.
3. Teach your kids to listen to their bodies.
It often feels as though adults are rewarded for ignoring or overcoming the signals from their bodies. The hero that comes to work with the flu or the mum who ignores the need to stop for food and sleep, often end up worse off in the long run.
Health is maintained when you know the signals that suggest your body is out of balance and respond in a timely manner when your body indicated that it needs something.
Help your children identify when they are cold, hungry or tired. You could even say to an infant, ‘You look hot, shall we take off your blanket?’ This gives them a solution to their problem but you are not enforcing it upon them, learning that they need to make their own decisions. Educate your children that pain is there to keep them safe.
4. Model healthy eating habits.
Childhood obesity is a growing problem. Make sure you talk with your children about healthy food choices as well as bad ones. Encourage them to ask themselves, ‘What kind of food is my body hungry for now?’ and ‘Am I full?’ even if there is still food on their plate.
Observe how your child eats. Whether they eat three square meals a day or like to graze on smaller foods throughout the day. Show them that it is okay to indulge in unhealthy foods now and again.
5. Reward health rather than illness
When your child is ill, you are most likely to lavish your child with lots of attention, feed them anything they want and fuss over them. Why wouldn’t a child want to be sick!?
A good idea would be to instil pride in your children when they are happy and healthy, showing them how important it is to look after their bodies.
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