How Single Moms Can Help Their Kids Make Healthy Choices

By: Emily Graham

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As a parent, finding ways to help your children make healthy choices is essential. By sharing the right information, modeling certain behaviors, and helping them learn specific skills, you can give them a robust foundation that will serve them well as they reach adulthood. If you aren’t sure where to begin, New Life Family Outreach shares some ways that parents can help their children make healthier choices.

Talk About the Future
Spending time talking with your child about their dreams can be an excellent way to help them make healthy choices. You can discuss what it will take to achieve their goals, giving them insights that may help them prioritize activities that will keep them on their desired path.

However, modeling the desired behaviors is essential if you want to make sure they’re committed. For instance, if you’ve wanted to earn your WGU business degree, signing up for an online program lets you become a good example. You’ll have enough flexibility to manage your other responsibilities, all when you show your child that achieving your dreams is possible.

Make Healthy Eating Fun
If you want your child to make smart choices regarding food and nutrition, your best bet is to make healthy eating fun. One great option is introducing your kids to cooking as early as possible. They become engaged by letting them handle small, age-appropriate tasks as you create a meal. This can make them excited about mealtime, all while giving them foundational cooking skills that they can build upon as they age.

It is also wise to learn how to make healthy versions of any unhealthy foods they enjoy. By doing that, you can show that it’s possible to eat right while enjoying a great-tasting meal. Plus, since it requires a bit of creativity, you can teach them to see the potential in foods, including items that they might assume they wouldn’t like. You’ll broaden their horizons while ensuring they’re meeting their nutritional needs.

Discuss the Digital World
Today, the digital world is a big part of life. While the online landscape is a wonderful tool, it can also come with certain risks. As a result, you want to talk with your kids about what they could encounter.

For example, while engaging in online games like Animal Crossing, Among Us, or Fortnite or while watching Twitch streams, your child may encounter all kinds of people, including some that may mean to harm them. Bullies and predators may be in these digital spaces. Additionally, scammers may be part of the landscape.
Talk with your child about what to do if they encounter strangers and the importance of not sharing personal information or account details. Also, make sure they know what to do if they feel threatened or are inappropriately approached by someone online.

Additionally, it’s wise to discuss the impact of device use in general. For example, U.S. News & World Report notes that screen time has been linked to insomnia, developmental issues, and other concerns. BBC News reports there’s also evidence that social media apps are designed to be addictive, potentially leading to unhealthy behaviors.

Use that information to develop a device use strategy with your child. Let them play a big role in deciding on the limits. That way, they understand the why behind the plan, making them feel empowered while teaching them to make healthier choices.

​Image via Pixabay
 
New Life Family Outreach provides Christ-centered mentoring, practical support, and prayer for those experiencing challenges related to pregnancy, abortion, or abuse. Connect with us today for more information! 336.887.2232