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Healthy Habits for Kids

Topic Overview

Habits are hard to break. That's why the sooner in life we build good, healthy habits, the easier it is to keep them and stay as healthy as possible. And when good habits are in place, it's easier to resist bad ones.

Your child's habits start with you

The most important thing to remember is that you are your child's role model. Your habits affect your children's habits.

If your habits are unhealthy—smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or always expecting the worst, for example—your child is more likely to get those habits.

If your habits are healthy—eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, looking forward to tomorrow, for example—your children are more likely to build those habits in their own lives.

What follows is help and advice for building good, lifelong habits in four areas:

Healthy eating.
Regular physical activity.
Staying safe and healthy.
Healthy thinking.

Healthy eating

Healthy eating links
Get the facts:	Reference Healthy Eating for Children
Take action:	Reference Reference Healthy Eating: Helping Your Child Learn Healthy Eating Habits Reference Reference Healthy Eating: Making Healthy Choices When You Shop Reference Quick Tips: Making Fast, Healthy Meals Reference Quick Tips: Healthy Eating on a Budget Reference Quick Tips: Adding Fruits and Vegetables to Your Diet Reference Quick Tips: Making Healthy Snacks
More healthy habit information:	Reference Healthy Habits and Nutrition in Children Reference Reference Healthy Eating: Cutting Unhealthy Fats Reference Reference Healthy Eating: Making Healthy Choices When You Eat Out Reference Healthy Eating in Children: Things That Influence Food Choices Reference Feeding Your Child Using Division of Responsibility Reference Reference Healthy Eating: Starting a Plan for Change

Regular physical activity

Physical activity links
Get the facts:	Reference Physical Activity for Children and Teens Reference Helping Children With Disabilities Stay Active
Take action:	Reference Reference Fitness: Teaching Your Child to Stay Active Reference Quick Tips: Getting Active As a Family Reference Quick Tips: Getting in Shape Without Spending Money Reference Quick Tips: Fitting Physical Activity Into Your Day Reference Quick Tips: Getting Active at Home
More healthy habit information:	Reference Reference Fitness: Adding More Activity to Your Life Reference Reference Fitness: Staying Active When You Have Young Children Reference Reference Fitness: Walking for Wellness Reference Reference Fitness: Choosing Activities That Are Right for You Reference Quick Tips: Staying Active in Hot Weather Reference Quick Tips: Staying Active in Cold Weather Reference Exercise and Physical Activity Ideas

Staying safe and healthy

Health and safety links
Get the facts:	Reference Health and Safety, Birth to 2 Years Reference Health and Safety, Ages 2 to 5 Years
Take action:	Reference Quick Tips: Helping Your Child Stay Safe and Healthy Reference Protect Your Child From Infections Reference Take Your Child to Routine Doctor Visits Reference Reference Sleep: Helping Your Children—and Yourself—Sleep Well Reference Quick Tips: Using Backpacks Safely Reference Talking With Your Child About Sex
More healthy habit information:	Health Reference Protecting Your Child's Skin From Sun Reference Child Safety: Air Pollution Reference Basic Dental Care Reference Hand-Washing Reference Teenage Sleep Patterns Reference Practicing Safe Sex to Prevent Disease Safety Reference Child Safety: Pets Reference Child Safety: Preventing Drowning Reference Child Safety: Streets and Cars Reference Child Safety: Preventing Child Abduction Reference Preventing Children's Injuries From Sports and Other Activities Reference Teen Relationship Abuse

Healthy thinking

Healthy thinking links
Get the facts:	Reference Helping Your Child Build Inner Strength
Take action:	Reference Reference Growth and Development: Helping Your Child Build Self-Esteem Reference Reference Stress Management: Helping Your Child With Stress Reference Help Your School-Age Child Develop Social Skills Reference Building a Healthy Body Image Reference Helping Your Child Avoid Tobacco, Drugs, and Alcohol
More healthy habit information:	Think positive: Reference Strengthening Your School-Age Child's Self-Esteem Reference Recognizing and Developing Your Children's Special Talents Reference Stop Negative Thoughts: Choosing a Healthier Way of Thinking Reference Helping Your School-Age Child Learn About the Body Reference Tips for Parents of Teens Manage stress: Reference Stress in Children and Teens Reference Reference Stress Management: Managing Your Time Prevent bullying: Reference Bullying: Signs a Child Is Bullied Reference Bullying: Building a Child's Self-Esteem Reference Bullying: How to Help Your Child Who Bullies

By:	Reference Healthwise Staff	Last Revised: Reference December 9, 2011
Medical Review:	Reference Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics Reference Catherine D. Serio, PhD - Behavioral Health

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.