Dear Parent, All knowledgeable parents try to keep children away from junk food, fizzy drinks and unhealthy lifestyles. But in the busy whirl of daily life, when popping a pack of biscuits into a snack box is much easier than packing chopped fruits, it’s easy to lose sight of these ideals. The same goes for good intentions when it comes to enrolling children in sports and games. When the logistics of dropping and picking them up becomes tedious, and kids have other priorities, it’s easy to miss sports practice and coaching. Let’s face it; practical issues don’t always allow us to maintain healthy lifestyle initiatives. So what’s the solution? Simple. Change your attitude. Stop thinking of healthy habits as something to wish for, but as a top priority item on your daily agenda. When children’s health is a priority, it becomes easier to make time to implement brave resolutions. It’s important to bear in mind that children’s illness can play havoc with parents work and social lives. Therefore look for natural, yet convenient alternatives. Admittedly this isn’t simple. But with some imagination, it is possible. A little planning and stocking one day a week can help you keep your resolve. For example, you could put away two snack boxes of roasted groundnuts, cashew nuts or dates, and buy bananas and other fruits for the week. Keeping a pack of flavoured glucose powder ready is a better option than fizzy drinks. To inculcate the sports and fitness habit, choose a game/ sport that your child loves. She’ll be more likely to keep at it, and you’ll be motivated to keep her at it. What’s your formula for ensuring the health and well-being of your family? Mail us your tips and ideas. Write to us at editorial@educationworld.in.
