10 Children Health Tips for Parents to Follow

Health is the greatest wealth in the world, people like to point out, and the saying is strikingly accurate especially when it comes to those we care about the most – our children. As parents and guardians, we are doing everything in our power to ensure that our children are as safe and sound as possible, but sometimes this task is a real challenge for all parties involved.

We’ve put together a useful list of health tips for children that parents can follow and ensure that the youngest members of the household are in perfect health.

1. Do your homework

First things first: as a parent of a guardian you should always know your family’s medical history. Take some time to put together a file that will contain all of the medical records of your child including vital information such as their blood type, allergen history, any previous medical reports, and laboratory tests, ailments. There should also be important dates such as the dates of their check-ups, vaccinations, and review dates. In case of any medical emergency, this file will help the doctors tremendously.

2. Think of the money

Speaking of medical emergencies, people tend to forget just how costly these things can be. Health care costs have been exponentially rising over the past few years, which is why it’s a good idea to take medical insurance which will cover not only your children but yourself as well. This is a wise move that will save you a lot of money in the long run, as your family’s budget won’t be strained even in case something unexpected happens to someone in your family.

3. Healthy diet

It is difficult to maintain a balanced and healthy diet when we’re always in a hurry and don’t have enough time to eat, let alone prepare, three nutritious meals in a day. Sadly, many children these days are underweight or, even more commonly, obese for these particular reasons, which means that the parents will have to put in more effort into instilling excellent healthy eating habits.

little girl eating an apple

Junk food might be children’s all-time favorite, but it’s terrible for their weight and overall health, so it’s best to encourage children to eat more fruit and vegetables. In addition to this, try to set time for meals and stick to them, because this routine will be good for their metabolism.

4. Instill good habits

Even the simplest changes in our habits can affect us and our health. Talk to your children and make it a rule that they should brush their hands thoroughly before a meal, and brush their teeth after a meal. This way, they will not accidentally digest any bacteria, and they’ll keep their teeth healthy too. What is more, you should also limit the amount of time they spend in front of a TV or computer and encourage them to spend time outside and to take up an activity.

Playing sports, riding a bike, and even taking the dog out for a walk will benefit them greatly, and if you take up a healthy hobby as a family, they will grow up to be fit and healthy, as a sedentary lifestyle will be dangerous for their overall health.

5. Avoiding stress

You might think that stress is something that awaits them when they get older, but it’s not the case. Children are under a lot of pressure these days because they have a lot of obligations and more responsibilities than ever before and it can negatively affect their health.

little girl enjoying the natureHealth tips for children and adults aren’t so different when it comes to stress relief: spending time outside, in nature, having a hobby, spending quality time with family members and friends are all things that will help the child relax even when they’re worried about tests and other schoolwork. Not only will these activities help calm them down, but they’ll help them fall asleep easier as well.

6. Bedtime is non-negotiable

Managing sleep routine can be quite a challenge as children feel very energetic and don’t want to go to bed early. Unfortunately, this may result in them feeling cranky or hungry the following day, and parents should focus on children’s sleep schedules. A good night’s sleep is imperative for children as this is when their bodies recover and grow.

Depending on how old they are, children will need to sleep more or less than you might expect: babies sleep schedule is up to 16 hours a day while toddlers will sleep up to 13 hours. As they grow, they will need fewer hours of sleep so, but the average is up to 11 hours for children under the age of 12. Going to bed and waking up early are good habits, and if they go to bed every night at approximately the same time, they will find it easier to fall asleep.

7. Dealing with allergies

When children are allergic to something, parents often feel frustrated and helpless. The most important thing is to identify the allergens that trigger the attacks because this will help you keep your environment safe as well.

What is more, you should also talk to your child and explain to them why is it that they can’t eat certain foods or drink certain drinks, or you risk them getting in contact with the allergens out of curiosity or ignorance. It’s also wise to inform their friends and teachers of their allergies too.

8. Dealing with pain

It’s not uncommon for children to accidentally injure themselves and get involved in minor accidents, and parents should be prepared for such emergencies. In case of bruises and small cuts, wash the area with clean water first, gently dab it with a towel, and apply antiseptic cream. If need be, you can use sterilized gauze to cover the wound. Cool tap water is enough for minor burns, and afterward, you should apply burn cream.

boy fallen from his bike

In case of severe burns, get the child to the hospital immediately. If the child complains of the pain after a fall and you notice swelling, this could indicate a fracture or a simple sprain or strain. Take them to a hospital nevertheless and try not to move the limb much.

9. Specific health conditions

When your child has a diagnosis of a particular health condition, you should take it upon yourself to learn as much as you can about the said condition. Juvenile diabetes and asthma are very common, and you should talk to your doctor as well as to parents of other children who also have the said condition. Keep the prescribed medicines at hand and try to make necessary lifestyle adjustments, so your child is more comfortable.

10. Stay safe and be responsible

In case your child gets sick, avoid sending them to school until your doctor says that it’s okay. In addition, follow their advice when you give the child medicines and make necessary changes to their diet. Never forget that the internet is an excellent source of information but that you shouldn’t rely on it when it comes to administering medicines to your child.

Taking care of your children when they’re ill in an imperative, ensuring that they stay healthy afterward should be another important goal. Good health is a real blessing, but it’s a blessing we can bestow upon our children if we work hard. By following these children health care tips you will ensure that the blessing is abundant, and you will sleep peacefully knowing that you have done everything in your power to ensure that they stay healthy for a long time.

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