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This post was sponsored by Boys & Girls Clubs of America as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
Raising Healthy, Well-Rounded Children And Teens
There are many ways to stay healthy but being healthy isn’t as easy as it sounds. It encompasses a lot more than just one particular thing. There’s exercising, eating right, sleeping well, taking preventative steps, and socializing. Then there’s the never-ending list of things you shouldn’t do (i.e. smoking, drinking). Just like anything to be healthy taking a well-rounded approach is always best. Remember, too much of anything can be bad.
Healthy Habits Start At Home
We often forget that small, daily behavioral changes can have a long-term, lasting impact especially when it comes to children and teens. This is the time where they can learn good habits, a healthy lifestyle, and how being a thoughtful human being is important. It’s the time when their values are shaped.
I try to keep my kids active and social by having them participate in sports and activities year-round. While at home I try to make sure they eat a balanced meal (easier said than done).
I want my children to accept their own and others’ differences and be connected to their community. I want them to grow up wanting to make a difference in this world. Thankfully, programs like Boys & Girls Clubs of America instill these kinds of ideals in our children and teens.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America Triple Play
Triple Play is BGCA’s leading comprehensive health and wellness program. It gives young people the awareness and tools they need to get on the right path for future success. The three main areas they focus on are mind, body, and soul.
They will learn how to make healthy choices, be active, and create positive relationships which all are vitally important for their future success. Together with the Amerigroup Foundation and Coca-Cola, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Triple Play hope to make a difference for children and teens across the country.
A key mantra for Boys & Girls Clubs of America at the start of this New Year is “I feel better when”. The New Year is often a time of recommitting to a healthy lifestyle no matter how old you are. What’s your “I feel better when” statement?
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
Crucial Do and Don’ts For Perfect Play Times
With the rise in childhood obesity and juvenile diabetes it’s so important to start at home! Getting kids active and eating well (the majority of the time) is so important. Sounds like you have your kids on the right foot!
I definitely try my hardest. It’s not easy with kids (it’s not even easy for myself) but their future depends on it and that’s what keeps me pushing on!
Love that you talk about eating a balanced meal. It’s something that most of us parents struggle with but it is sooo important. I notice such a difference in my kids when they are eating healthy! I plan to do a whole post soon on healthy treats!
Feel free to come back and share your post with us! I always make sure that at least my kids are eating balanced meals. This helps my husband and I eat better as well.
I know the boys and girls club does lot of great work around the country. They really are a wonderful organization. I have been wanting to get my almost 4 year old into a sport soon, it has just been tough financially.. She really wants to do horseback riding, and we are in a prime horse area here in central florida.
That sounds like a super fun sport! I understand about the money, sports are expensive. However, she’s young yet so you have a little time if need be.
I think keeping your kids active is so important, So much of today’s world keeps us inside with a screen in from of our face. Pushing my kids outside it so important for me.
I very much agree. I was raised without a screen 24/7 and I see the difference in our kids in this day and age and myself because of it. Trying to keep my kids well adjusted!
I agree that it’s important to have the kids do physical activities. They get so stagnant if not, watching videos or playing video games. I try and take them out as much as possible to do stuff.
I’m glad to hear that! Too many parents are satisfied with letting their child be babysat by a screen. I feel this is just not healthy.
Sports can be a great outlet for kids. They get exercise and learnt to work together.
Yes! I enjoyed my sports growing up because you had a connection with the rest of the team. Plus, like you said, it teaches them to work with others which is important for their future.
I have to admit that since my daughter joined her high school track team I’ve seen an improvement in ever aspect of her life ( and I have begun training with her) I think exercise is a huge part of helping to keep our teens healthy and happy!
They have scientifically proven a few times over that exercise not only builds bonds in a relationship (any type) but it releases endorphins that release stress to keep the mind and body healthy!
I totally agree that it’s important to start healthy habits young so they carry them through to adulthood. Eating a balanced diet and getting exercise (mostly through play) is vital to wellbeing of little ones. I know I feel better when I “move” and my kids do too. Luckily Spring is right around the corner which means more sunshine and outdoor fun!
Yes, I’m excited for that sunshine! It helps in getting them outside to play!
I love this post. I hope it finds its way into the hands of the parents who need it. Remember, too, kids need downtime to learn how to combat boredom. IF we schedule their entire day, when do they learn to entertain themselves? Good post.
That is a wonderful point! I remember growing up not having a phone or internet which ultimately allowed me to “fend for myself” per say. Kids these days are constantly entertained by something which has definitely caused an issue or two.
Love these tips! I definitely think that we teach our kids how to have a healthier life!
Kids pick up more from their parents than the parents even realize. It’s crazy when you sit down and think about it. Which is why I definitely agree it’s important!
This is such a great post. One of the things I’ve currently seen is people taking their kids to Parkruns – these runs are held every Saturday in a lot of places/countries and are the best! It’s lovely to see so many families there! x
Very interesting! I’ve never heard of these before but have no doubt the kids would love it! Thanks for sharing that info!
These were great ideas and tips for keeping the kiddos healthy in its entirety. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you found the information useful!
I love B & G Club! I did a lot of work with them when we lived in Florida and I adore their organization. I definitely agree with encouraging people to get involved with them.
I grew up swimming there on a weekly basis with multiple families of my friends’. I agree, they’re definitely a safe space for kids!
Such an important topic. We definitely need to be on top of our kid’s health. Thanks for the suggestions.
Jocelyn
I’m glad to hear so many people finding it as important as I do. Kids definitely need so much guidance.
This is an awesome post. What great things to teach our kids. I feel better when I take time to ponder and reflect on my blessings.
I can agree! Reflecting on the opportunity we’ve been given with our children can be so inspiring!
What a great post! We definitely to do all we can (in our power) to grow our children into healthy young people.
What a great program for the kids. This brings back memories I grew up going to the Boys and Girls Club when I was child in the summers.
This is a great post. Activity and social interaction are so important in so many ways. It not only increases healthy behaviours but also pro-social behaviours and decreases negative behaviour when they become teenagers. I also love that you included balanced meals in a world of convenience people often forget about good home cooked meals.
Kids health is so important. SO many people just think because they are kids that they can bounce back out of things easier but if they become overweight that is a hard thing to overcome.
This is great. So many kids now adays aren’t as healthy as they can be and it needs to change! I think its a very important topic that more awarness needs to be spread around about!
Keeping kids active is so important for their overall health. For this very reason, both of my boys have been playing basketball competitively for years.
We have a boys and girls club down the street. It’s where legit everyone takes their kids in this town to learn to swim etc.
Yes, so important to keep them healthy and active!