4. Have Open Conversations About the Hard Stuff
When your children reach a certain age, it may be time to talk about the dangers of drugs and other addictive substances. Avoid accusatory language and over-exaggerating your distaste for these substances. You’ll get much further by talking to them like young adults rather than lecturing. If they engage and ask questions, answer honestly, and don’t be afraid to ask them what they already know. If you keep an open dialogue, they’ll feel more comfortable coming to you about challenging subjects.
5. Find Suitable Health Insurance
Health insurance is essential for protecting your family’s health and finances, providing peace of mind in the event of illness or accident. Finding health insurance for your family can be made easier by researching different plans online, speaking with a qualified insurance agent, and utilizing helpful comparison tools to find the best coverage for your needs. If you don’t get insurance through your employer, you can find policies through the Affordable Care Act, Freelancers Union, or Medicaid.
6. Teach Them to Read a Nutrition Label
You’d be surprised how many adults have no idea how to read a nutrition label. If you start teaching them early about making healthy food choices and what to look for when shopping, you can help them avoid some serious health issues. Allow them to practice with you on grocery trips so they can understand the correlation between food and health.
7. Involve Them in Keeping a Clean Home
Teaching your kids the importance of keeping a clean home involves setting a good example and providing specific instructions, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement. Try to involve them in your cleaning and decluttering efforts. If you turn cleaning into a game, kids will be more likely to participate.
8. Teach Them About Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is so often overlooked and so important to overall wellness. Teach your kids to brush twice daily and floss every night. Provide them with all the tools they need and start as soon as they are old enough to understand.
Once you start your health journey with your children, remember that everything is better in moderation. If you push too hard, you may lead them in the opposite direction. Whether you’re teaching them leadership skills, finding the right health insurance for your family, or getting them outside for a walk, let them make their own choices, and they’ll often make the right ones.
Be sure to visit SafeChildren.info for more resources on how to keep your children safe. Thank you once again Amanda Henderson for sharing your work.
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