Raising Happy and Healthy Kids
Health is the basis of happiness. As we all want our children to grow up loved and fulfilled, to be able to become everything that they wish to be, it is important to monitor their development and make the right decisions that will protect your child throughout his or her life.
Here’s some resources for parents to have an idea of what to do, and to work better with paediatricians to develop the best personalised health goals for every child.
Mental Health
Real life can be very stressful, and this can put a lot of strain on children as well. Emotional, behavioural, and mental health difficulties can significantly affect your child’s quality of life and their ability to develop properly.
The importance of caring for a child’s mental well-being has gradually gained traction in our local parenting practices, but there are times when you or your child may need more support than what is provided at home or school.
Dietetics & Nutrition
Good eating habits fostered from the very beginning help your child get the best start in life. As a rule of thumb, encourage your child to limit refined grains, processed snacks, and sugary foods & drinks, while encouraging them to choose nutrient-dense and fresh foods.
For fussy eaters, children with food allergies, cancer, or other conditions that may benefit from a special diet, a dietitian and nutritionist can help improve their eating and drinking habits to promote healthier growth.
Physical Fitness
To stay healthy and build a stronger body, children and adolescents should do more than an hour of exercise every day as inactivity increases the risks for heart diseases, diabetes, obesity, other metabolic disorders.
Physical health is also detrimental to develop good mental well-being. Physical activity is not limited to exercise, but also involves any form of activity that moves the body. If you feel your child needs additional help in this area, it is a good idea to talk to your paediatrician or a physical therapist.
