National Child Health Day: It’s All About the Kids on October 5th!

Did you know that about 82% of children in the US are considered to be in good health? It has been said that “the health of the child is the power of the nation.” Therefore, this October let’s show our support for children’s health, their families, and those that work to help them on National Child Health Day.

Americans celebrate National Child Health Day on the first Monday of every October to show support, bring awareness, and remind everyone about the importance of a healthy child.

National Child Health Day recognizes the care and guidance children need to grow strong and healthy. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, pediatrician, teacher, or just someone who is in contact with children, it is important to support every child for them to be the healthiest they can be. Let’s take National Child Health Day as an opportunity to learn, support, and bring awareness to our little guys and gals of the world. Because after all, our children are the future!

There are several ways you can observe National Child Health Day, including instilling healthier habits in your children. You can do this by teaching them a healthy eating pattern. There are several steps that you as a parent can do to help your child practice healthier eating habits.

5 Ways to Observe National Child Health Day

With or without kids, there are many ways to support and celebrate this special day. If you’re stuck on where to start, here are 5 ways to observe National Child Health Day:

Get outside & get moving. Whether it’s a quick walk, a trip to the park or even helping with the yard work, get active on National Child Health Day. For children and adolescents, the CDC recommends at least 60 minutes or moreof physical activity a day. So, put down the video games and get outside!

Set an example. As the parent, lead by example and show off your healthy habits! Add more veggies to your plate, go for a walk in the neighborhood, or cook up a healthy snack during snack time. Children will see these healthy habits and want to be just like you!

Try something new. Add in a new healthy activity to your children’s daily routine. Try a family walk after dinner, cooking together as a family once a week, or taste-testing new healthy snacks. Trying new things as a family will make “being healthy” so much more fun!

Take a look at toys. Take some time out of the hustle and bustle of your day and inspect your child’s toys. Ensure there are no broken pieces, jagged edges and the toys they are playing with are age appropriate.

Schedule a checkup. Especially during these times, our health is everything. Make sure your children are up to date on all vaccines, physicals, and routine dental checkups. A healthy kid is a happy kid!

Donate. With or without children, getting involved with National Child Health Day is easy! There are many organizations out there that directly support children, their families, and those who work hard to look after them.

Healthier Eating Habits in Children

Getting your child to eat well-balanced meals can often be a struggle. Especially when they aren’t big fruit and vegetable eaters. However, there are several steps you can take to help your child learn healthier eating habits.

1. Turn off your cell phone and the television. Free your table of all distractions when sitting down for meals, this includes your phone and turning off the television. Let your child see that when it is mealtime, the focus should be on the food, not on the phone.

2. Set a positive tone. Don’t use mealtime as the opportunity to bring up negative emotions or feelings. Keep the conversation pleasant so that your child doesn’t associate mealtime with anxiety.

3. Model healthy behavior. Children model their behavior off what they see. Set a good example by making your plate a colorful well-balanced meal.

On October 5th, take a time out and check up on the children that are in your life. Remember that children are the most vulnerable people in our society. Giving them the opportunity and resources needed for a healthy body, mind, and spirit makes their futures that much brighter (and healthier!). So, on National Child Health Day, and every day, let’s offer support, compassion, and a healthy meal to those little ones that need it most.

Your Turn to Take Action: What are your best parent tips for helping your children live a healthy lifestyle? Let me know in the comments below.

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