KidsHealth tip
"At the store, let your child choose a new fruit or vegetable to try. Older kids might like to look through cooking magazines or cookbooks to find new recipes. "
"If kids look interested, let them try a little of what you’re having. A new food tends to look more enticing when it’s on a parent’s plate."
"To keep kids from getting injured, have them switch to a safe task while you
work at the hot stove or do other tasks that require your full attention. Give
them napkins, plates, and silverware and let them set the table."
"When preschoolers help you cook, it’s more than just fun. In a hands-on way,
they’re learning about cause and effect in the kitchen. What happens when you
crack an egg? What about when you mix wet and dry ingredients? Learning the
answers helps your child understand a little more about how the world works."
"Plan an activity that leaves no one out. Consider a neighborhood Wiffle ball
tournament, volleyball game, or round of kickball."
"Kids who aren’t into team sports might like the idea of individual sports done
for enjoyment, not competition. Try cycling, swimming, hiking, running, and
dancing."
"Kids love to bounce, but make sure to keep them away from trampolines. It's too
easy to bounce off, flip, and cause injuries such as broken bones and
concussions."
"For a conversation starter at mealtime, ask your child what the best part of
that day was. Be sure to say what the best part of your day was, too."
"Resist the temptation to have the television on during a family meal. It’s
likely to be a distraction that will take away from the conversation."
"Ham it up when reading to younger kids to make story time more fun. Come up
with different voices for the characters and create dramatic pauses that set
the stage for surprises on the next page."
"Being a role model is another way a parent can reinforce a child’s developing
organization skills. Talk yourself through a simple task when your child is
present. Ask yourself out loud, “Let’s see, I’m making a salad - so what should
I get from the refrigerator?"
"Bedtime routines are good for moms, too. Taking these moments to nurture your child can help you feel relaxed and ready to wind down yourself. "
"During the summer, or anytime you’ve been on vacation, normal bedtimes can go by the wayside. Get kids back in the groove by helping adjust sleep schedules back to normal gradually. Move bedtime ahead about 15 minutes a night until your child returns to your usual routine. "
"Help your child by setting up a homework-friendly area, scheduling a regular time when the work will get done, and praising your child’s efforts. "
"Kids love when someone reads them a story, but it’s your voice they love to hear the most. When your attention is focused on them, and they hear the rhythmic, relaxed sound of your voice, it meets an important emotional need to feel connected to you."
"Dessert doesn’t have to be off-limits in a healthy lunch. Try trail mix, yogurt, or homemade oatmeal cookies."
"Think your kids won’t eat whole grains? Popcorn is a great snack that also provides fiber."
"Look for creative ways to be active, such as taking a day trip to a city, museum, or other attraction that requires a lot of walking. Even if you take the stroller, let kids who can walk do so as much as possible."
"It doesn’t have to be anyone’s birthday to play party games. Pin the tail on the donkey or musical chairs can liven up any afternoon for preschoolers."
"Use websites or books so your child can start picturing where you’re going and all the fun stuff you’ll be able to do when you arrive. "
"Younger kids who don’t get to see their grandparents very often will appreciate having a small photo album of their photos. You might even take a photo of their home so the child can better remember where they live. Label the photos for them and be sure to include shots of the kids and grandparents together."
"Tell jokes and teach your kids to tell them, too. Consult children’s joke books or search the Internet for the best ones. One of the greatest pleasures for a child is to make a parent laugh. For kids, telling a joke is about taking center stage for a moment and about showing mom and dad how clever they are. "
"Buy your child an address book before moving, so he or she can collect email addresses and mailing addresses of friends before you go. "
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