Many Ways to Be Healthy

When asked “What’s most important for children to be healthy?”, most of us would say that it’s important for children to eat nutritious meals, get enough physical activity, get enough sleep and rest, and reach their developmental milestones (such as walking by a certain age).  

But health looks different in every family, and depending on your family’s unique situation and needs, certain things may feel more important or less important at any given time.  

You already do so much to help your family stay healthy. Consider what “healthy” means for your family right now. What do you want for your family? What are you feeling good about? What concerns you—what might you want to pay more attention to, or ask for help with? What kind of help may be available in your community, or among your extended family and friends? Who might you be able to connect with for help? Ideas may fall into different categories:  

Nutrition 

• Finding enough healthy food  

• Staying at a healthy weight 

• Eating together as a family 

Safety 

• Knowing how to stay safe indoors and out 

• Having a safe place to live 

• Having safe play areas 

Health Care and Illness  

• Managing chronic illnesses 

• Getting sick less often  

• Regular check-ups and vaccinations 

• Healthy routines like handwashing and brushing teeth 

• Good relationships with doctors, nurses, and other health providers 

Social-Emotional Health 

• Having fun and bonding together as a family 

• Strong community ties  

• Relaxing more 

• Having “me time” 

• Having energy 

• Spending time outdoors  

• Support of family and friends 

• Just feeling good! 

What would you add to this list? Any small changes—and any support you can ask for (from your own or your child’s health providers)—can make a big difference. The little things go a long way! You might even choose to focus on a different area every month.