Ways to Help Develop Healthy Habits as a Family
Practicing and forming healthy habits as a family is something that can seem hard or time consuming, but it doesn’t have to be!
Here are some fun, easy, and creative ways to promote healthier eating and movement, specifically in ways you can spend quality time with your little ones without dramatically changing your daily routines.
These resources are from SesameStreetforMilitaryFamilies.org, our website created to support families who serve.
On the Menu
While chores and errands are a necessity for every household, they can be transformed into a family activity and a way to spend quality time together. Planning the menu of just one week of meals together is a way to help children learn about healthy eating, agency in decision-making, and a sense of routine. And it will give them something to forward to! Use this printable to plan your menu together.
Meal Planning
Life as a parent is busy, and it can often feel like we need a bit extra time to finish the long to do list. A way to set yourself and your family up for success is to plan meals in advance to give yourself more time and energy back during the week. Read this helpful article to learn how to structure and organize your meals in advance.
Kitchen Garden
While backyard gardens are common, it’s actually cost-efficient and practical to start one in your kitchen. It can also become a fun activity to share with children to teach them about how plants grow. Enlisting their help, plant and water some herbs together to add to your meals!
Cooking Up Healthy Choices
Meals are a great opportunity to spend quality time with your family, and sometimes they can be the only part of your day where you can sit down and connect. Instead of spending time apart before a meal, try to come together during the preparation. Whether it be picking out a meal together, curating a shopping list, or even washing the dishes afterwards, try turning a chore or errand into a joint activity!
We’ve Got the Moves!
As a caregiver, you can make almost anything fun by just using your own imagination! When it comes to staying active as a family, try to think of ways to move playfully in your daily life. Whether it’s an obstacle course race in the backyard or a treasure hunt on a walk in your neighborhood, transforming everyday movement into games helps everyone stay active and connected.
3 Healthy, Easy, Kid-Pleasing Recipes
Children are curious and often want to help or be involved in the things you do. A great way to promote healthy habits is to involve them in preparing meals and snacks. Here are some healthy and easy recipes to follow together.
