Aug
Keeping the Children Healthy in Mind and Body
Like adults who have different physical and mental constitutional makeup, children too are dissimilar from each other. Parents must realize this and accommodate their physical as well as psychological needs accordingly. While a child in the age 10 years old and below requires more of physical affection, an adolescent expects more of psychological support from parents.
High expectations, frequent nagging, excessive control and the likes, should be avoided when dealing with any child. Instead of focusing what you desire or expect from them, their interests should be given priority so that the child is self motivated and performs better.
One thing also to consider is that children do not realize the importance of health as they lack the sense and maturity but parents can inform them and try innovative cuisines to satisfy the needs of their children. Present generation prefer fast food to healthy nutritious home made diet. Prohibiting access to junk food is not the solution to this problem.
Parents can come up with interesting healthy alternatives for junk food and try to mollify children. Healthy mind resides in a healthy body so it is vital to keep the child’s body in sound health by providing balanced nutritious diet and adequate sleep.
Junk food, canned or frozen products should not be given to the children as these be likely to lower the energy levels instead fresh fruits, vegetables whether cooked or raw should be served on a regular basis. Fresh dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt, buttermilk are ideal for all growing children.
Dry fruits like almonds, walnuts should be soaked overnight and given to the children so as to improve their memory. Some spices like cumin, turmeric and pepper play an important role in facilitating important physiological processes and thus should be used as ingredients in preparation of meals.
Another way to increase metabolism of your child is to involve them in outdoor physical activities and fun child games like football, badminton, swimming or any sport that interests the child.
Instead of keeping the child enclosed in four walls of the house, habit of early morning walk in the open green parks should be inculcated so that the body can utilize maximum oxygen. This way, your child will surely have a healthy mind and body.
