We all want the very best for our children, but sometimes it can be confusing to know how to BEST support their health and wellness. That is why it is so important to know and practice the basics in order to build a solid foundation for your children as they age, no matter what specific health needs they may have. Read on for five practices to ensure your child’s health and development!
Diet, Exercise & Sleep
A good diet is critical to overall health no matter your age, and proper nutrition starts at day one! Breast milk provides all of the essential nutrients that your baby needs for physical growth and brain development! Quality formula is another great option. As your child grows older, a diet full of fruits, veggies, lean meats, and whole grains, while limiting processed foods and added sugar, are powerhouse meals to fuel your growing child (Metropolitan Pediatrics).
Exercise, too, is important from a young age. Research shows that physical movement improves mood, improves sleep, and is good for supporting mental health (National Institutes of Health).
Speaking of sleep, the NIH says that, “Ensuring your child gets enough sleep each night is one of the most important practices you can develop as a parent.” Try creating a relaxing routine leading up to their bedtime.
Mental Health
Mental health is a broad category that is comprised of a number of factors. In addition to nutrition, exercise, and sleep, one thing that affects mental health is screen time. It is easier than ever now for our kids to have a lot of screen time, starting from a very young age.
However, the American Academy of Pediatrics, “recommends avoiding screens altogether for children younger than 18 to 24 months, except when video chatting with family…also… limiting screen use for preschool children, ages 2 to 5, to just one hour a day of high-quality programming.” Having good boundaries around technology from the beginning helps them to have good boundaries around technology when they are older (NIH).
If you think your child may be struggling with mental health, you’re not alone. Compass Community Health’s Behavioral Health team is here to support you and your family. We understand how valuable your child’s health is. Give us a call today at (740) 355-7102 to schedule an appointment!
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-Email: info@compasscommunityhealth.org,
-Message us on Facebook @ Compass Community Health
-Call: 740-355-7102
-Address: 1634 11th St, Portsmouth, OH 45662
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