Holiday seasons are full of festivities, cherished moments, and delicious food. But although they create great memories, holidays can be stressful – with unhealthy eating and sickness, especially for kids.
As the days get colder and the winter season approaches, kids spend more time indoors as they get off school. During such times, there are usually more unhealthy food options than normal and fewer opportunities for exercise, with outdoor play often being off-limits.
Tips to keep your kids healthy during winter
There is so much idle time during winter, not forgetting the numerous festivities. Although outdoor activities may seem restricted during this season, parents can still keep their kids occupied with healthy indoor activities.
Come up with indoor activities that keep kids moving
Parents don’t have to spend a lot of money on toys and games to keep their kids active while inside the house. The scavenger hunt is one classic game that ensures active hours of entertainment inside the home. Parents or older siblings may create interesting clues and hide them at different spots throughout the house, meaning children will have to use their bodies and brains to locate them and complete the game.
To make the game more interesting, you can go for a holiday theme. Other low-cost active games include hide and seek, hula-hoop contests and keep the ball up, which only needs balloons. You can also choreograph some dances for those kids who love dancing.
Involve kids in healthy meal planning
There are so many celebrations that involve a lot of calorie consumption during the holiday. Kids will cry for that last piece of cake, biscuits, and sweets. To distract them from such foods, involve them in healthy meal planning, making it interactive and fun at the same time. Besides, inviting them to join you as you prepare a healthy meal makes them interested in the food, and they will want to try it out.
Give your kids more immune-boosting foods and drinks
Fall and winter are the flu seasons, and children tend to be more prone to the common cold or flu. Giving them immune-boosting food and drinks, such as natural blended fruit juice and vegetables, will boost their immunity. Explain to them the importance of these, so they understand it is for their good and make it a habit. With time, they will get used to it and grab a fruit even when you are not around.
Ensure your kids get enough sleep
Sleep is essential for kids as it not only helps them rest but also boosts a healthy immune system. It allows their bodies to heal and repair, so they always need to get enough sleep. If you have toddlers, create a peaceful environment during the day to allow them to fall asleep. You can get rid of loud music in the house so they can sleep for enough hours.
Keep the children hydrated
Although giving your kid a cold glass of water seems unhealthy during such a cold season, it is exactly what their bodies need to fight illness and infection. Water carries nutrients to the body cells and sweeps toxins out of their bodies.
Keeping them hydrated reduces the risk of falling sick. If you are unsure of the amount of water your child should drink in a day, you can consult an online doctor as you want to minimize movement during such cold seasons.
Limit your kids’ sugar intake
The winter season is fully packed with holidays that kids love. Sadly, winter festivities also typically include many sugary snacks. However, you can still have a fun and enjoyable holiday season with healthy foods and drinks.
Limit the amount of sugar consumption for your kids by incorporating healthy recipes and cutting back on sugary snacks. A lot of sugar not only depresses your kid’s immune system but also leads to systemic inflammation. Protect your child’s immunity, so you avoid having to rush to the doctor continuously by replacing sugary foods with healthy meals.
Encourage your kids to wash their hands regularly
Although it seems so simple, most parents overlook this important technique. Children, especially toddlers, are so touchy hence so prone to picking up germs. A simple regular handwash may save your kid from a serious infection. Teach them to wash their hands with soap for at least 30 seconds before and after meals, after touching dirt or other people, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose.
Teaching them how to wash their hands properly from an early age will save you many trips to the doctor. Discourage germ sharing and contact your online doctor immediately once you note infections. Their tiny hands are a gateway for germs into their bodies, so the cleaner their hands are, the less chance of infection and illness.
