Budget-Friendly Ways To Teach Your Kids About Healthy Choices
One of your biggest responsibilities as a parent is to teach your kids how to make great choices. Unfortunately, this is often easier said than done, particularly if you are on a budget yourself. Ivy League Kids offers up some important things that you can do to help your kids make the best decisions possible that won’t break the bank.
Enroll Them
Instead of your traditional after-school program, consider a before or after-school sports and recreation program like Ivy League Kids. Some programs will teach your kids healthy life skills, such as cooking, and how to keep their minds and bodies active.
Work Out with Them
Regular exercise is something that adults often dread, but it is a lot easier when you start an exercise and activity program at a young age. Creating a workout routine with your kids is a great way to show them exercise is not bad.
Stock up on clothing and footwear that helps you and your kids stay active. You can look for great deals like back to school and seasonal sales. Many retailers like Target offer a variety of coupons during specific times of the year. If you shop online, you can usually find a Target promo code or coupon code to help you with the cost. You can also select clothing that works as activewear and regular wear. This way you don’t have to always buy both.
Tone Down the Electronics
Not only are they expensive, but electronics are also a bad habit. You can teach your kids to get away from the screen by staying away yourself. It might be tempting to check your texts, social media, or emails while you are eating, but this is not good for your family. Teach them to turn the phone off by turning yours off during meals.
Show Them How To Eat Healthily
Healthy eating begins young and doesn’t have to put you over budget. Momables.com states that cooking and eating well is possible by making healthy food choices available. You can find any number of healthy eating choices on sale at grocery stores. If you want to eat out better, skip the fast food and look for dining options that offer a discount. Many restaurants offer specials and coupons for families in mailers and other advertisements.
Allow Downtime
You may be aware of the importance of play in a child’s life but are you also aware that children need downtime too? You can promote proper relaxation by encouraging them to take breaks. These breaks can be simple, such as reading or napping, or complex, like teaching them to meditate. Downtime does not have to be expensive either. You can set up places to relax with throw pillows and other items that you have around your home. Taking a walk or relaxing without television or electronics is free and often just what is needed for a calm mind.
Be a Role Model
Kids tend to copy what their parents do. You can teach healthy habits by doing healthy things yourself. Skip the coffee and go for water or download a free yoga program and teach your kids. If you are doing it, chances are they will as well. You can do this by being mindful of what you are modeling for them. If they see you making the right choices, they will emulate it.
Healthy choices and healthy living doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, many of the things that help them make great choices in life are free. You can teach your children all about how and why being healthy in mind and body is the right way to be.