You want the best for your family, which means occasionally reflecting on your lifestyle.
Your partner or kids may have picked up some habits that aren’t great for their wellbeing if they continue long-term.
Check out these 10 ways to instill healthy habits in your family and get more out of life without feeling like you’re putting a stop to everyone’s favorite activities.
1. Start While They’re Young
It’s never too early to start healthy habits with your kids.
If they learn to get more daily movement and drink water frequently, they’ll be healthier as they grow up.
They’ll also take their lifelong habits into adulthood, so you don’t have to worry about them after they fly the nest.
2. Reward Them With Prizes
Kids might find it challenging to start new habits without constant reminders, which could turn into fights.
Instead of hoping they remember your latest advice, introduce prizes.
They can win prizes they’ll love every time they finish a week with daily improvements or remember to do something without a reminder.
It’s like a chore chart, but for personal development that will give them better lives. Eventually, the habits will become so automatic that they won’t need the prizes as encouragement.
3. Make Different Recipes
Parents often struggle with getting their kids to eat vegetables.
It’s a healthy habit children don’t enjoy, but you can get them interested in the new routine by making different recipes.
They’ll be curious to taste each dish and forget to protest about the cheesy broccoli or stir-fried peas.
As the veggies become associated with delicious meals, your kids will instinctively include them in their future meals.
4. Personalize Safety Tools
Kids can utilize certain things to maintain their health, like dental tools. While they’re running around on the football or soccer field, they might get in accidents that damage their teeth.
Instead of hoping for the best, let your kids pick a mouthguard in their favorite color to protect their dental health while playing sports.
Wearing mouthguards reminds them to prioritize another aspect of their health that they might otherwise forget as they grow up.
5. Sign Up for Clubs
Getting sweaty and out of breath during workouts isn’t something anyone enjoys.
Your family members might groan when you encourage them to get moving through trips to the gym, so make exercise more fun.
Research local clubs everyone can join to turn exercising into a fun activity.
They could join people who ride bikes around nature trails or build houses for people in need.
As long as the clubs get their heart rates up, they’ll benefit from the healthy activity even if it’s only a few times a week.
6. Read Books Together
Reading books with your kids is one of the best ways to instill healthy habits in your family. Children won’t want to change their routine if they don’t know the purpose of their new habits.
Books make it simple to explain new concepts in ways they’ll understand.
Consider your kids’ ages and pick books they’ll enjoy while learning why some activities are more helpful than others.
Whether they read about why brushing your teeth makes them stronger or why washing your hands gets rid of bacteria, they’ll approach each habit with a new mindset.
7. Initiate Helpful Conversations
Starting conversations is a great way to reinforce new routines.
You’ll open the floor to any questions your family members have about the latest changes while teaching them how to communicate.
If they learn how to voice their concerns, address questions and figure out solutions while actively listening, they’ll grow into well-rounded individuals who can care for themselves and others.
8. Upgrade Your Dishware
If you’re struggling with kids who love to load their plates with too many carbs, upgrade your dishware.
They’ll adapt to healthier eating habits more quickly when their plates indicate accurate portion sizes.
Some dishware designed for kids uses bright colors and characters to outline how many veggies, carbs and meats they need to feed themselves without feeling too full.
It’s an excellent resource for families with toddlers and young kids.
9. Create a New Bedtime Routine
Some kids may not get as much sleep as they need because they play with electronics or toys too late every night.
A new bedtime routine could be the best solution for teaching them healthier habits.
Buy a projector that splashes stars across their ceiling or singing toothbrushes to make them excited to start winding down.
10. Make a Gratitude Jar
It’s challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle when a negative mindset ruins your day. A gratitude jar can help with that. Ask everyone to write a note once a day or a few times a week.
It should include something they’re grateful for so everyone can read them aloud during one of your nightly dinners.
Focusing on the positive and being grateful for what you have will teach your kids how to maintain more peace of mind.
It’s also a great way to celebrate their new habits and encourage them to keep going.
Instill Healthy Habits in Your Family
There are so many ways to instill healthy habits in your family. These are just a few ideas to get you started.
Think about which habits your family needs the most to identify the best ways to kick things off.
A little encouragement and a bit of fun will go a long way in keeping your loved ones happy and healthy.