Every year on November 14, India celebrates Children's Day to honour the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who believed that children are the future of the country. Schools have fun activities on this day but it is also a good reminder to parents to pay attention to their child and the issues concerning their physical and mental health. Here are the top seven health tips that every parent must observe to ensure the healthy growth and development of their child.
The basis of a healthy person is a healthy diet. Insert a blend of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, pulses and lean proteins in the diet of your child daily. Limit the processed or sugary snacks that they get. Promote healthy eating so that children can have a better food choice when they grow up.
Children may easily neglect the need to drink enough water mostly when they are occupied with their play or studies. Ensure that your child consumes a lot of fluids during the day. Hydration can also be supported by fresh fruit juices, soups, and buttermilk although they should never be the major source of water.
You should make your child active, encourage outdoor games or sports or even dancing. Physical activities of not less than one hour a day contribute to the enhancement of strength, coordination, and fitness, as well as decreasing the time spent on screens.
Sleep is of considerable importance in the growth of the child. Children attending schools require 9-11 hours of sleep at night. The student should have a regular sleeping schedule and minimise the use of devices before going to sleep to ensure they unwind and have a good sleep.
Educate your child on simple hygiene routines such as washing hands before meals, brushing, never skipping brushing teeth twice a day, and showering. These little things will help a great deal in avoiding infections and maintaining good health particularly in new seasons.
Have frequent check-ups with the doctor to monitor growth, vaccination, and visit the dentist. Any health problems can be identified early which contributes to the timely treatment. In addition, make sure that you maintain a record of vaccinations of your child to ensure that they do not get the diseases they are immunised against.
Mental illness is no less important than physical illness. Discuss the child freely with him/her about their feelings, school, or friends. Never stress the academics without having reasons and putting them under unnecessary pressure.
These are some simple steps parents should take for their kids' growth and healthy living.
