The new year is here, what a great chance to implement some new healthy family resolutions! Here are some great ones to try:
1. Schedule your child’s wellness checkups
Scheduling your family’s annual checkups at the beginning of the year will allow you to check off the most important items from your family’s to-do list. When scheduling be sure to include your child’s visit to their pediatrician for their annual physical exam, and their Dental and teeth cleaning appointments. Don’t forget to use your technology to assist you and set reminders for your appointments on your smartphone or calendar alerts on your computer. Routine physical checkups and dental hygiene appointments are key factors in protecting your child’s health. Their pediatrician can assist you in keeping your child up-to-date on their recommended vaccinations. By taking part in routine healthcare visits can aid in preventing illnesses and diseases.
2. Do you have a child who will be going into Kindergarten or 7th grade for the 2022-23 school year?
Start preparing early by scheduling an appointmen twith your childs pediatrician to be completed before August 2022.
3. Get up and go!
Is there a sport your child has been asking about joining? Or a family sport you have been thinking about getting involved in? Start today! Adding a new sport to your routine improves your chances of sticking to a physically active lifestyle. Your teammates help to keep you accountable and encourage you to stay motivated. Regular exercise is a key factor to your child’s health and wellbeing, and yours. Studies show that an hour of daily physical activity improves a child’s brain health, but it also reduces health risks in adults such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
4. Hungry, healthy snack time
Children are often on the move and often get hungry between meals. Help them to create healthy snacking habits early on and this habit will stay with them till adulthood.
Be prepared to put together baggies or containers of healthy snacks for your child in the drawer of your fridge at the beginning of each week. This way when your child becomes hungry between meals, they have healthy options ready and available to pop in their mouth fast which is especially helpful for a family on the go. Fun and healthy snack options include veggie sticks pre-cut for little fingers like carrots. Bags of mixed berries, broccoli, granola bars, nuts, oranges, apple slices, or yogurt.
5. Keep it clean
A clean environment is a good aid in keeping kids healthy. Taking part in a regular cleaning routine around the house can help your family spread love and not germs. Try natural ingredient cleaning recipes like the one below.
Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner
What you’ll need:
One part white vinegar
One part water
Lemon rind
Rosemary sprigs
Combine the above ingredients together, pour into a spray bottle, shake, and then let infuse for a week before using. Once done, you can use the homemade all-purpose cleaner to remove hard water stains, clean trash cans, wipe away wall smudges, and much more. Besides a fresh scent, the lemon rind may help boost cleaning power. Note: Do not use acidic cleaners on granite, as they will etch the stone.
6. Create a bedtime routine that everyone can get behind.
When you and your family are on the go all day at work, school, and after-school activities it is essential you have time to relax and reset for a new day. This can be accomplished with an effective nighttime routine that best fits your family. Try this bedtime routine or modify it so that it meets your family’s needs.
- Pick a time to start to unwind and keep it consistent. Set a phone alert to stay on track with the start time.
- Include some relaxation music. Pick classical tracks or artists that are soothing and create a relaxing atmosphere. Peaceful music helps cue the mind that it is time to start winding down and getting ready for bed.
- Take a warm bath or shower. This is an excellent way to relax the muscles and get clean before getting under the covers.
- Make time for their smile. Remind or assist your little ones to brush and floss their teeth to help keep their gums and teeth healthy.
- Read a bedtime story. Allow your child to choose their favorite book and read a chapter or two before they doze off. Reading to your child or taking turns reading with them is a great way to calm down after a long day. Other benefits of reading include improved listening skills, cognitive language development, expanded vocabulary, attention span, and bonding.
- Dim the lights. Keep the bedroom dark enough to promote sleep but not too dark. A safe little night light allows for a feeling of security and is a good safety measure to help navigate their way in the dark for any nighttime visits to the restroom.
- Give them something to hold onto at night. Pick an (age-approved safe) stuffed animal, blanket, or special pillow to give to your child at night before you leave the room. Security objects help a young child make the emotional transition from dependence to independence.
- Last but not least, make time for yourself. Now that the little ones are in bed don’t forget to give yourself time to have relaxation before bed. Try sipping some sleepy-time tea options. A warm cup of tea partnered with a good book will make unwinding something to look forward to at the end of the day. In addition it may help you from staying up later than you intended.
Wondering how much sleep your family needs at night? Here are the basics:
| Age Group | Recommended Hours of Sleep |
|---|---|
| 1-2 years | 11-12.5 |
| 3-5 years | 10.5-11.5 |
| 6-7 years | 10.5 |
| 7-13 years | 10 |
| 13-18 years | 8-10 |
| 7-9 |
Hope you enjoyed these healthy family resolutions
Happy 2022!