Let’s face it, growing boys and girls are in the midst of great physical and emotional changes each and every day. This time of changing hormones, body growth, and development is one of the best times of their lives, believe it or not. Appearance is of the utmost of importance for them, as they will be seen by the eyes of hundreds of other spectators on a daily basis. A child’s days are often times filled with ups and downs. Daily pressures abound from parents, teachers, coaches, friends, other peers, and other school- and home-based responsibilities. How can they seemingly balance everything out? The good thing is that age is on their side, and that energy has come in an abundant supply. Their metabolism is quite active, always chewing, digesting and spitting out energy throughout the day, and their potential to utilize that raw energy to their advantage is one of their greatest assets.
Inactivity is a culprit that affects many young people, especially with today’s constant boom in technology. Yes, kids need to have fun and enjoy themselves, but there are active, healthy ways to achieve this excitement. Learning to make choices in terms of how kids spend their time determines the path they will follow in their lives. How much time they dedicate towards studies, paying attention in class, what they eat on a daily basis and when, how and in what manner they exercise are skills that must be taught, put into practice, and repeated on a daily basis. We have far more control over determining the foundation of our lives than we may think. At a young person’s age, the job is simple.
Setting the priorities straight for a child:
1. FAMILY
2. EATING HEALTHY
3. ACADEMICS
4. SPORTS & EXERCISE
5. SOCIAL & LEISURELY ACTIVITIES
Lifestyle Tips
Get a child on the road to super health!
Having good hygiene, eating habits, and regular exercising begins at an early age. Developing these great habits early on in a child’s life will help them see health, good nutrition, and physical activity as something normal and as a part of everyday life that can be fun. It is a great stress release and outlet to release one’s energy in a positive manner. The unique talents possessed by kids should be fostered early on, and teaching a high level of self-discipline to work to be “the best you can be” instills a sense of pride that spills over to other areas of life! On the same token, encouraging children to try something new that they are interested in, but may not be the best at, can help steer them towards approaching a challenge head-on rather than developing an avoidance for trying new things.
Some of the greatest athletes of all time were unable to find great success at a young age, but worked very hard to break through to where they wanted to be. An important message to remind all children when they say they can’t do it is to remind them that “every expert was once a beginner!” One of the greatest basketball players in history, Michael Jordan, was cut from his high school varsity basketball team as a sophomore. He had a choice to make at 15 years old. Give up and say, “I’m just not as good as the other guys.” Or, pick his head up and work to the best of his ability to be the best that he could be.
We realize what choice in life he made. That perceived failure back then was enough to spur him to greater achievements in his life, far beyond his wildest dreams. He viewed his “failures” as opportunities to rise above and conquer the odds. Challenges help flavor a child’s autobiography, making it that much more interesting for others to read down the road. Think about that future best seller!
PARENT TIP:
#1—You are the greatest influence in your children’s lives. When they don’t seem to listen, that’s when they are listening the most. Support and encourage them to be their best (not having to be the best). Encourage them to eat well, work hard in school and at home, and to get exercise on a daily basis.
#2—At an early age, teach them proper hygiene in using the bathroom and washing their hands. Proper manners at the dinner table are important for later meals in their lives with peers and business associates. Making a good first impression will be very important in developing relationships.
