Kids learn from what they see adults do, so parents need to model healthy behaviors. Also, kids mimic the emotional reactions of their parents.
Avoid scaring children, but be firm if necessary. Listening to their concerns can help them feel respected and supported, Santos says. Children need plenty of physical affection.
Check the Labels
The first thing to remember is that your child doesn’t come with a manual, so you will have some emotional and behavior struggles. Instead of seeing these as a lack of discipline, think about what your child is trying to communicate through their outburst. If they are hungry, thirsty, cold or overstimulated, it may explain why they misbehaved.
Consistency is important, but only if it makes sense for the child. For example, if you establish bottom-line limits, such as insisting that kids try all new foods before rejecting them, it can pay off. But make sure the limits are reasonable and not too restrictive.
Talk About Being Healthy
Involve your children in the grocery shopping process and cook together. This will help them learn to read labels and make better choices. It also helps if they can see you making healthy choices, too. The childhood impulse to imitate is strong, so if they see you chowing down on potato chips and soda they may be more inclined to eat them, too.
Focus on eating a variety of whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains while limiting sugary beverages, salty snacks and processed food. Avoid labeling certain foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ or using them as rewards, as this will only reinforce negative behaviors.
Teach them how to make healthy foods and snacks themselves so they can carry the habit into adulthood. Keep unhealthy foods out of the house and stock the kitchen with wholesome options such as fresh fruit, yogurt tubes, applesauce, water and 100% pure juice. Keep these items in the fridge or on the counter. Also make sure you have a bowl of water or milk by the sink so they are always accessible.
Make Small Changes
In addition to buying healthy products, you can help your kids make good choices in other ways. For example, if they see you enjoying a salad or a glass of water instead of soda or fruit-flavored juice, they may learn to prefer those choices. Also, letting your kids decide when they are full helps them control their appetites.
Avoid food policing, such as making them clean their plates before they can leave the table, and let your children try foods that you think are unlikely to appeal to them. It takes 10 to 15 times of exposure before a child will accept a new food, so don’t give up.
It is important for parents to communicate that their kids are valued and understood. If they feel like they are being criticized all the time, it can have damaging effects on their mental health. Avoid saying things that are critical or judgmental, and make sure to use a warm and caring tone when talking with your kids. Also, don’t use words as weapons; negative comments can cause damage just as physical blows do.
Have Emergency Numbers Posted
Being a parent can be a stressful job, and there’s a lot that could go wrong with your child. Keep peace of mind by making sure you know how to get help quickly if an emergency occurs. Have a list of important numbers posted and saved in your phone (below). Give a copy to babysitters, childminders and others who may need to contact you in an emergency. This includes your doctor’s office number and a local hospital.
Teach Chemical Safety
It is important for students to have a basic understanding of chemical safety. They must be able to read and understand the information that is found on the labels of chemicals. They must also be able to use a product correctly in order to minimize the risk of injury.
Teaching chemical safety can be a difficult task for many teachers. It is important to teach students in a way that is engaging and exciting. This will help students to internalize the knowledge and become more comfortable with using these products in their daily lives.
There are several websites that offer a variety of tools and resources to assist in learning chemistry safety. A few examples include Tox Town and Chem Info Net. These websites can provide a comprehensive overview of toxic chemicals, their risks and how to avoid exposure. They also discuss how to properly store and use art products, such as cleaning liquids and powders, polishes, drain cleaners, paint thinners, art supplies and windshield washers. They also provide a detailed explanation of how to create an approved chemical list, which ensures that only the correct chemicals are received, stored and used in the classroom.