How to Teach Your Kids About Health and Safety

If you’re a parent, you probably find yourself wondering whether your children are paying attention when you talk to them about health and safety. You know it’s good advice. But how can you be sure you’re reaching your kids?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. See your doctor. Make sure your children see a pediatrician or family doctor on a regular basis. The doctor will keep track of your kids’ growth and development, identify any health problems, and make sure kids get needed immunizations.

2. Set a good example. Let your kids see that you buckle up in the car, wear a helmet when bicycling, and take care when around matches, the fireplace, and the stove. Point out safety steps you take every day around the house—children are usually eager to learn how grown-ups do things.

3. Encourage family fitness. Physical activity not only helps a child grow up strong and healthy, it encourages self-esteem and can help kids learn to get along with others. Family walks, bike rides, trips to the park and informal games are great ways to get kids to exercise. Encouraging older kids to try after-school sports, dance, or other activities to get the benefits of physical fitness.

4. Encourage healthy eating. Invite your kids to participate in shopping, choosing foods, and cooking. Explain why some foods are healthier than others. Let kids include their favorite foods, but demonstrate how a balance of different kinds of foods is is healthy, and makes a meal more enjoyable.

Tips & Warnings

• This article is presented for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of a healthcare professional or child development professional.