The second Sunday in June is National Children’s Day, a celebration for kids and an opportunity to remember that they look up to and learn from the adults in their lives. One way to celebrate is to promote your child’s wellness and plan fun activities to help them learn how to develop healthy habits.
The Importance of Wellness
While most parents stay current on their children’s medical needs and regular checkups, wellness is a concept not often applied to kids. Adults are increasingly aware of wellness, which encompasses physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, occupational, and environmental.
The idea of wellness is that all of these components should be in balance. Make healthy choices in all areas of your life to thrive. Adults have begun to make a note of wellness, but it’s also for kids. Teaching them to prioritize wellness will help them grow into healthier, happier adults.
Top 5 Wellness Activities for Kids
This National Children’s Day, and any day really, use these activities and let them inspire you to come up with other ideas:
1. Go for a Hike. Find a local hiking trail and hike together as a family. Hiking is a great wellness activity on several levels. A brisk walk is a good exercise, especially if you have trails that get a little hilly. A hike also exposes your child to nature and helps them forge a connection to promote environmental wellness. Being outdoors can also stimulate their curiosity and desire to learn about new plants, rocks, or the weather.
2. Meditate Together. Many people have discovered meditation for mental and spiritual health, but not all parents realize that kids can also meditate. Studies show that kids get the same benefits as adults, including improved physical health markers, decreased stress, and better psychological health. Get them started with guided meditations designed just for children. For instance, on the BetterSleep app, you’ll find Your First Bedtime Meditation, Afraid of the Dark No More, Yoga Nidra for kids, and more.
3. Go to a Kids Museum. There are few things better for intellectual curiosity and stimulation than a kid-friendly museum. Museums designed for kids are typically hands-on and include rotating schedules of educational, fun activities.
4. Visit the Farmers’ Market. Food choices are a big part of healthy habits. Make your kids a part of the food decision and preparation processes to help them learn healthy eating habits earlier. A local farmers’ market is a great place to start. They can see fresh produce and choose what they want to try. Many markets also have kids’ activities and recipes you can try at home later.
5. Enroll in a Fitness Class. Children’s fitness classes are good for physical health, but they also build self-confidence and learn new skills. Options include swim lessons, dance classes, and yoga.
Parents want the best for their kids, but so often, it’s a matter of simply getting through the day. When you have some free time, try these activities together as a family to model healthy habits and show your kids that wellness is essential.
