As a large family with a number of kids, it can often be hard to give everyone one-on-one attention and make sure you’re staying on top of everyone’s health. Things can tend to feel pretty hectic in large families, with everyone always rushing off to one place or another and a massive list of chores, tasks, and errands to be done (or in my case, blogging!). With that said, healthy living tips are something that should never take a backseat, especially where the kids are concerned. Teaching them these tips as they are young will not only promote good health as they grow, but they will be tips they use throughout their lives.
If you’re looking for some ways to boost the well-being of your family, here are four healthy living tips you can use.
Focus On a Healthy Well-Balanced Diet
The first thing you’ll want to do on your quest for a healthier lifestyle is ensuring that everyone is eating a well-balanced healthy and nutritious diet. That doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourselves here and there; it’s all about moderation. A healthy, well-balanced diet is one that should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and fish. And when it comes to beverages, it’s time to ditch the sugary juice and sodas and reach for good old water instead.
Granted, cooking for a big family can be challenging to say the least, so this is also a great opportunity to get the kids involved. The kids helping will make meal preparation easier on you, and it also teaches them the basics in the kitchen.
Get the Family Outside for Activity Time
With the beautiful summer weather almost here, it’s the perfect opportunity to get everyone outdoors in the backyard. Finding ways to motivate your kids to play outside will do wonders for their overall physical and mental well-being. If you’re having a hard time coming up with outdoor ideas for your backyard, here are some to get started with:
- Play a baseball game as a family, or practice throwing/catching, or hitting the ball
- Kick around the soccer ball
- Set up a badminton net
- Play bocce ball as teams
- Have fun with croquet
- Turn on the sprinkler for some cool refreshing fun
- Get out the sidewalk chalk and make a hopscotch course
- Lawn darts are easy and fun to play
And this is just a small look at the many activities you can do in your own yard. If you’re willing to venture outside your own yard, you can start doing things like family walks, hikes, and bike rides.
Limit the Screen Time for All in the Family
Screen time is something that everyone is guilty of, and again, it’s all about moderation. There is nothing wrong with having some screen time if it is balanced. If the kids are spending hours, or even a full day at a time glued to the television or wireless devices, then you know it’s time to intervene. A good tip is to frame it as a family discussion and make it a universal rule across the board. Everyone’s screen time should be limited, include mom and dad (unless needed for work of course). This makes everyone feel equal and the kids are likely more willing to comply.
A Bedtime Routine Isn’t Just for the Kids
Speaking of adopting tips as a family, a bedtime routine should also be added to the list. Everyone needs to get a healthy amount of sleep so they can be their best, most energetic, focused, and happy self the next day.
Each of these is a healthy living tip that will have an impact on your large family – kids and adults alike.
