10 Healthy Habits For Your Toddlers

10 Healthy Habits to Teach Your Child - Motherhood India Hospital

Getting Your Toddler Moving: The Benefits of Regular Physical Activity

Having healthy habits from the initial stages of a baby’s life makes them develop a healthy lifestyle, in the future. Now your toddler needs to develop a variety of habits, but some are more important for their well-being than others. And this article solely focuses on the habits that you as a parent should teach your toddler.

Wash hands: The best habit to develop is washing your hands, and this goes for adults and children. Explaining the significance of handwashing to your toddler is the first step you should take in teaching them the value of it.

Nurturing Healthy Eating Habits in Your Toddler

Fruits and vegetables in the meals: Children who consume fruits and vegetables at every meal fill up on the proper amounts of high-fiber, high-nutrient foods.

Cut back on added sugars: The average child consumes 10 teaspoons of added sugar each day, or 16% of their total calories. Keep it between 0-5%

Creating a Safe and Stimulating Environment for Your Toddler

Maintain healthy oral hygiene: Early instruction of twice-daily tooth brushing will help your toddler avoid cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Choose whole grains: Whole-grain foods like whole wheat, brown rice, oats, and popcorn all provide fiber and B vitamins in addition to an energy boost.

Make sleep a priority: Your toddler needs a good 7-8 hours of sleep for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

4 meals a day is a must: Children who are permitted to graze may have fewer appetites and an interest in trying new meals. They can go without food in between meals. They’ll be more hungry when it’s time to eat and will enjoy the filling meals.

Diversify protein source: A child’s diet should contain a variety of good sources of protein, including seafood, poultry, lean meat, eggs, dairy products, beans, peas, nuts, and seeds.

Make learning a habit: To keep your child cognitively stimulated from an early age, start soon by reading books to them and looking into early childhood education choices.

Drink water: Sweetened drinks can be preferred well by your toddler instead of water but they have been held accountable for a number of the health issues affecting kids, so sticking to water is a must too.

Toddler Nutrition: Everything You Need To Know

Toddler years are said to be a period of transformation; especially between 12-24 months, when your toddler is learning to consume table food and absorbing new tastes and textures. When your child was an infant, breast milk and formula were ideal, but now that they’re toddlers, it’s time for them to start obtaining what they need from a range of foods.

Recommended Food Groups for Toddlers: What Your Child Needs to Stay Healthy

Toddlers require between 1,000-1,400 calories per day, depending on their age, size, and amount of activity. And to provide your child with the required amount of nutritious diet, you must understand exactly what a healthy diet is, and today, we’re going to focus solely on that topic. Listed below are 5 must-need food items that you should add to your child’s diet.

Veggies and fruits:

You weren’t surprised to see it, were you? Well, that’s the thing, fruits and vegetables are must-needed items in your little one’s diet for proper nutrition. While if your little one is a picky eater and is more biased toward fruits, it’s fine! Children tend to favour fruit over many veggies because of the fruit’s inherent sweetness. But if it’s the vice-versa, then congratulations, mommy! No more tension for you.

Grains:

You should consume grains in about 25% of your diet. Pasta, rice, and bread fall into this category. And if your toddler is already in love with these, then it’s a win-win situation for you.

Eggs:

Eggs are an extremely nutritious, affordable, versatile, and delectable complete protein.

Lentils and legumes:

Most individuals don’t eat enough garbanzo beans, often known as chickpeas, which are inexpensive and flavorful. Red lentils are pleasant and simple to prepare, which I find youngsters really enjoy. In many dishes, ground beef can be replaced with puy lentils, other brown lentils, or black beans.

Fish:

Fish provides additional advantages besides being a good source of protein. Oily fish like sardines and mackerel are the richest sources of omega 3. Many children dislike “fishy fish.” Whitefish, on the other hand, has far less omega 3 but is typically more well-liked by children.

Tips To Inculcate Healthy Eating Habits In Toddlers

Tips for Developing Healthy Eating Habits in Toddlers - Motherhood India Hospital

When your children are young, the dietary habits they develop will help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as adults. You can aid your kids in maintaining a healthy weight and regular growth by teaching them healthy eating habits and modelling those behaviours yourself. Portion control and reducing your child’s intake of fat and sugar are two of the most crucial components of a balanced diet.

But at the same time, you need to remember that, it’s crucial not to put your overweight child (or children) on a tight diet, though. Unless a doctor oversees one for medical reasons, children should never be put on a rigorous diet to lose weight.

The Importance of Variety: A Balanced Diet for Your Growing Toddler

Mentioned below are some approoaches that you can take for inculcating healthy eating habits in your toddlers.

Healthy Eating Habits Start Early: Setting a Good Example as a Parent

Make a range of wholesome foods readily available in the home. Your kids will benefit from this exercise as they learn how to make nutritious eating choices. Keep unhealthy options like soda, chips, and juice at the store.

During meal time, everyone sit together:

Children pick healthy foods and acquire proper table manners when their family eats together. They’ll gradually begin to pick up on dining customs.

Set aside a space for dining:

Either at the table or in the kitchen because like that you’ll spare your kids countless calories from needless snacking as they watch TV or other electronic devices.

Let your little one pick what they want to eat:

Even if your little one is a fussy eater they should be allowed to choose what they want to eat. And it’s fine if they just select one or two items; you can not and should not compel them to eat something they don’t wish to.

The Role of Snacking: Healthy Options and Moderation

Keep in mind that you are responsible for the food that enters your home. Your kids will automatically consume more fruits, veggies, whole grains, and dairy products if there are fewer junk foods available.

Behaviour and development of a toddler

Toddler's Developmental Milestones - Motherhood India Hospital

Toddler Psychology: Understanding Your Child’s Emotions and Needs

A toddler is defined as the “one who toddles,” thus as soon as your child stands up unassisted, even hesitantly, they qualifies as a toddler. The majority of specialists place the toddler years between 1 and 2 years of age. Many new abilities, including walking, talking, using the restroom, socializing with peers, and developing independence, can be learned during these years of transition.

Disciplining Your Toddler: Effective Techniques and Strategies

The first step includes abilities like the first walk, the first smile, and the first “bye-bye” wave. Toddlers develop these skills in their play, learning, speaking, behavior, and other movements

Your child moves around more and becomes more aware and curious of their environment as part of the second step. In this stage, toddlers become more independent, start to act defiantly, identify themselves in mirrors or photographs, and start to imitate the actions of others, particularly adults and older kids. Additionally, toddlers are able to recognize the names of well-known people and objects, put simple words and phrases together, and follow simple commands.

What should I do if my toddler’s development concerns me?

It’s important to have a pediatrician who is looking for developmental issues as early as 3 or 6 months of age if you have concerns that your toddler isn’t developing the skills they should be or if they’re slower than other children their age. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential for preventing more serious issues with some developmental delays and illnesses. Also make sure to find a nearby early intervention facility to assess your child’s gross motor development, fine motor development, speech and hearing ability, etc.

How can I stop my toddler from acting out?

You need patience while dealing with a toddler. You can not lash out at your toddler and expect them to obey you happily. Indirectly, they are telling you that you have no control over them when they engage in “poor” behaviors like tantrums, backtalk, attitude, and refusal to cooperate. Spending more time with your child and teaching them new abilities can make a toddler feel more connected and in charge, which can reduce misbehavior.

Safety and injury prevention

Across all demographics, injuries are the main cause of death in many leading countries. The short- and long-term problems that traumatic injury survivors experience are equally important. Efforts to avoid injuries are greatly aided by public health departments. These initiatives focus on preventing both unintentional and intentional injury.

The Importance of Safety: Why Injury Prevention Matters

While falls and car accidents commonly result in unintended injuries, physical assaults and gun violence frequently result in purposeful injuries. To keep individuals safe in their homes, places of employment, and communities, many injury prevention measures are essential.

The majority of drug overdoses include opioids, and they are currently the main cause of injury deaths, and the provision of drugs for the treatment of addiction for those suffering from opioid use disorder can all help lower the number of overdose deaths involving opioids.

Protecting Your Loved Ones: Child Safety and Injury Prevention Tips

Also, if we get back to the topic of unintentional injuries, even though they are by definition accidental, there are several simple safety measures that may be performed at home to lessen the risk of harm.

Use safety equipment including smoke alarms, bicycle helmets, gates, child-proof containers, and latches correctly and consistently.

Engage in active child supervision, which includes keeping an eye on kids while they’re in or near water and generally limiting kids’ access to places with potentially dangerous objects or materials.

Knives, stovetop pot handles, hot liquids, appliance connections, and window treatment cords are a few more risky items to keep out of children’s reach.

Know and have handy vital phone numbers for emergency response teams, poison control centers, and family physicians.

Tips for a Safe and Secure Household

Additional actions, such as refraining from smoking within the house, might lessen the chance of unintended injury as well as chronic health effects (such as asthma) on children. Residential fires brought on by smoking materials, such as cigarettes, are the main cause of fire-related fatalities.

Assisting in the construction of a generally healthier home environment, and making the environment safer for children will also reduce the chance of children suffering unintentional injuries.

Ways To Encourage Healthy Lifestyle Habits In Your Child

Healthy Lifestyle Habits for Children - Motherhood India Hospital

As a parent or caregiver, you play an enormous part in shaping children’s eating and drinking habits. Once you make it a habit to consume foods and beverages that are low in added sugars, saturated fat, and salt and are high in fibre, the youngsters you look after may learn to love these foods likewise. If a toddler you’re caring for doesn’t sort of a new food straight away, do not be upset. Children often must see a replacement food again and again before they’re going to try it.

Start with the basics: Eating habits and a balanced diet

As a parent or caregiver, you furthermore might have an impact on children’s physical activity. You are doing not have to be an expert at any activity. Just stand up, move, and show children what proportion fun being active will be. They’ll grow to love it too. you’ll set an honest example by going for a walk or riding a motorcycle rather than watching TV, playing a computer game, or surfing the web. Find an activity that you just enjoy and might do together.

Create a supportive and positive home environment

As you learn more about a way to improve your health, take the time to speak to your children about how a specific food or physical activity may help them. As an example, when going for a walk, bring your children with you and allow them to pick the route. Discuss how walking helps you are feeling better and maybe a fun thanks to spending time together.

Celebrate progress and small achievements along the way

Speak up after you see unhealthy choices. Direct children to healthier options or say, “You can have a bit of that, but not an excessive amount.” See them about why a very salty or heavily sugared snack isn’t the most effective choice. Avoid making them feel guilty about their food or beverage choices. You’ll also praise your children after they choose a healthy item like fruit.

Positive parenting tips for school-age children

School-Age Children Development & Parenting Tips - Motherhood India Hospital

Parenting is not everyone’s cup of tea. Neither does parenting look easy, nor does it feel easy. But one thing about parenting is that in the end, it feels worth everything when you see your child going through different ages of life such as a baby, a toddler, a school-age child, a teenager, and finally an adult.

Understanding School-Age Children: Developmental Characteristics

While excellent parenting skill is necessary at each and every stage described above, today I’m going to focus on one in particular: the school-age stage, and discuss how putting effort into these tips can mold your child into a person who is so amazing.

Nurturing Confidence and Independence: Promoting Self-Esteem in Children

Your child needs to consume a wide range of nutrient-dense meals from all of the food categories, ensuring that they receive the vitamins and minerals they require. So, aim to supply healthful options to ensure that your child receives the right nutrition and develops healthy, happy eating habits. Make fruit, vegetables, and whole grains visible and accessible to your youngster.

Active Listening and Effective Communication: The Key to Building Trust

Help them develop a sense of responsibility:

School-age is a stage where your child has most probably developed a sense of knowing and doing several things such as dressing themselves, catching a ball more easily using only their hands, and tying their shoes. So it’s the perfect time for you to help them build up a sense of responsibility by requesting their assistance with small household chores like setting the table, feeding the pet, watering small plants, etc.

Keep them physically active:

Children in the elementary school age range require an hour of daily moderate to strenuous physical activity. Your child’s recommended amount of physical exercise can be met through recess, gym class sports, outdoor activities, and aerobic activities such as running, playing soccer, or riding a bicycle.

Find lone time together:

The school-age stage is a rush stage for both you and your child so finding some quiet time together is much needed. You can obtain some quiet time for the both of you by going for an evening stroll or even a drive between events.

Develop a productive sleeping routine:

Children who are of school age need between 9 and 12 hours of sleep every night. Even though naps are generally out of the question, taking a break in the afternoon can be beneficial at not only school-age but at every stage of life.

Respect The Privacy Of Your Teen During A Doctor’s Visit

teenager privacy at motherhood india hospital near me

With the advancing age, the child undergoes an ocean change in emotions. You can observe this in the behavior of your teen or track the change in communication. Until now, you were the one to play a key role in all the activities beginning from taking the teen to the pediatrician and talking about his/her health. But now, your teen speaks more with the doctor and finds it embarrassing to discuss topics like hygiene and sexual activity. It is therefore recommended that the teen doctor talks be encouraged while respecting privacy.

Why Teens Need Privacy During Doctor Visits

Teens might find it embarrassing to have discussions on hygiene or other sensual topics like sex in front of parents. Your presence might hinder an open conversation. They fear being judged or are scared of what will you say once they are home. This leads to dishonest talk. Your presence would make your child feel guilty. There is no fear of perceived repercussions when the talk is private. The teen is more comfortable in such a setting.

Benefits of Private Talks with the Doctor for Teens

Private talks with the doctor could teach the teen to advocate for their health and well-being. They get the opportunity to speak independently which encourages positive behavior. There is no fear of judgment and punishment – the conversation becomes open and frank. The doctor will be able to review the behavior of your child well.

Having one on one talks with the doctor would encourage positive choices. Conversations that surround topics like sexual identity, body image, peer pressure, mental health, and substance abuse end up in positive choices. The doctor could guide the teen well on the consequences of substance abuse if the teen is comfortable enough.

All in all, respecting the teen’s privacy with the doctor could create wonders for your teen’s mental health and influence him/her in making positive decisions.

Helping Parents With Kids Transitioning To Adult Healthcare

parent and adult child sitting with a doctor, discussing healthcare at childcare hospital

Transitioning to healthcare happens when the child turns 18. The concept of transitioning can be well understood by the fact that your child will now receive healthcare in an adult centre or from the primary care doctor rather than a pediatric centre. The treatment becomes patient-centred, unlike the previous one which was family-centred.

Importance of Parental Involvement in Adult Healthcare

Parents now have a minimum but significant role to play in exercising a healthcare checkup.

They are aware of the treatment history and are capable of giving the entire health summary to the doctors which aid in better treatment.

Ways Parents Can Help

As a parent, you can help out by:

– Describing the symptoms in an appointment.
– Managing medications
– Scheduling appointments
– Enrich the knowledge of health insurance and the types of treatment it covers
– Help your child to learn the skills that could foster independence on the next visit

Encouraging Independence in Your Child

Parents are left with background roles once the child attains eighteen years of age. The process of adult transitioning is different from the previous type of medical care. It aims to let the patient know that he’s no longer a kid. No painted walls, no toys, and no equipment for kids, just a room where a physician will be asking direct questions. The parents could help as they are aware of the health history and present medications.

On the other hand, they can now go for secondary roles. They could enrich themselves with knowledge of health insurance. This can help them plan a better future for their child. The hassles of appointments and meetings remain with the parents. They know when to see a doctor but it is often recommended that parents must exercise less control over this so that the child develops a sense of responsibility and awareness towards his/her health thereby going by the aim of kids transitioning to healthcare.

Importance Of Teens Talking To The Doctor Privately

Doctor listening to a teen's concerns at motherhood hospital

A lot has to be taken care of while fostering a teen’s health and well-being. From managing the emotional upsurge to other behavioural changes, driven by ,hormonal changes, teens go through a lot. Not just teens, parents undergo a crucial phase where they have to behave patiently for their teen’s well-being. Private talks between the teen and the doctor form a significant part of this process.

Creating a Safe and Open Environment for Teens

Your teen undergoes a series of new experiences day in and day out. He/she might not discuss everything with you. Be it any sort of peer pressure or another incident, the teen might feel shy in front of you. They often find it embarrassing to discuss “such things” with their parents.

Providing Objective Analysis and Education on Sexual Health

Here’s how private talks with the doctor could foster the well-being of your child.

Private discussion with the doctor accounts for a safe and open environment. The teen feels safe with the doctor to ask about any health-related issue or share an experience out of curiosity to know its consequences.

Such an environment enables the doctor to objectively analyze and educate your teen on sexual health. Such talks end up implanting good ideas in their heads. Teens gather all sorts of knowledge from the internet but have the least knowledge of using it or end up misinterpreting it. These talks could help with the better utilization of such knowledge. Teens love these talks. The doctor makes it more life centric unlike the normal talks at home that are individual-centric. They find it comfortable to discuss this way. This could end up in teen awareness regarding the risks of substance use. They learn more about the consequences of alcohol, drugs, and other substances.

In a nutshell, you and your pediatrician share a common end goal – ensuring the child’s health ,and well-being. You can communicate with your teen at home. But that communication becomes too individual-centric. In the hands of a professional who deals with several teens daily, the communication becomes open-ended which is loved by the teenagers and is excellent for their mental health.