Children are listening, watching and learning

Young children copy what they see and hear — this is how they learn. Learning healthy habits is one of their most important lessons. What children learn during the early years (zero-five years) will last a lifetime. Parents, grandparents, caregivers and other adults are important role models for young children. They help shape children’s health habits, especially when it comes to healthy eating, physical activity and self-esteem.

Healthy Eating and Your Child

A healthy body needs healthy food. Your child depends on you to provide healthy foods for energy and growth. Your child also looks to you when forming attitudes about food. As a role model, you can make healthy food choices for your family and lead with a positive example.

Simple ways to encourage healthy eating habits include: • Eat meals together as a family. • Listen to your children. They know when they are hungry and when they are full.

• Involve your child in preparing meals. A child who helps with dinner is more likely to eat it.

• Avoid using food as a reward, for comfort or as punishment. For example: soothe hurt feelings with a hug rather than food.

• Instead of saying “I could stand to lose a few pounds,” say, “Healthy food gives me the energy I need.”

Physical Activity and Your Child

Active parents have active kids. Getting regular exercise is an important part of healthy development. Your child looks to you to set a healthy example when it comes to physical activity. As your child’s role model, you can decide when to get off the couch and how often you and your child play together.

Simple ways to help your child be more active include: • Encourage outdoor play. • Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

• Set limits on your child’s screen time. Put on music and dance instead of watching TV, or just go outside and have fun.

• Instead of saying “I never have time to exercise” say, “Let’s turn off the TV and go for a walk together.”

Your Child’s Self-Esteem

From birth, children learn how they feel about themselves from their parents. Your child’s confidence is affected by the way you feel and talk about yourself. As your child’s role model, it is up to you to be a positive influence when your child is forming ideas about body shape and size.

Simple ways to boost a child’s self-esteem include:

• Tell your child he/she is special and important. Positive language can go a long way in raising a confident, healthy child.

• Praise your child’s strengths and abilities often.

• Do not criticize your own body, your child’s body, or the bodies of others.

• Teach your child that body images in the media are not realistic. Healthy bodies come in many shapes and sizes.

• Be careful of the way you talk about yourself and your body, especially in front of your child.

• Don’t focus on your child’s weight. Single measurements here and there are not meaningful. A child’s weight should be compared to his or her own growth pattern over a long period of time (ie. from birth). This is the purpose of using growth charts at the doctor’s office.

• Instead of saying “Do I look fat in these jeans?” say, “I feel good today.” If you feel good, your child feels good.

Starting from a young age, children learn healthy habits from their parents. Remember: your children are listening, watching and learning from you.