Healthy Living                                                                                     

Children need to be supported and encouraged to lead a healthy lifestyle, which promotes a balanced diet and sufficient levels of social interaction and exercise.

Children need to be provided with the correct nutrients and foods in order to grow and develop properly. Without the correct vitamins, minerals and nutrients which children obtain from a varied and balanced diet, they can be prone to illness and health problems. With child obesity currently on the increase the importance of a healthy and balanced diet for youngsters is becoming more necessary than ever before. For more see Healthy Eating.

With more and more children spending time on internet sites and chatting via forums, instant messaging and e-mails, parents and carers need to ensure they encourage their child to meet up with friends and spend quality time together. Children learn skills through games and experiences that cannot be learnt through distant online communication. It is beneficial if parents and carers provide opportunities for their children to meet up with friends and with younger children friends are invited over for tea and to play. Children need to be able to form real friendships with one another, interact and share real life experiences. For more see Social Skills.

Children of all ages as well as adults need to set aside time for regularly exercise. Children need to build up their physical skills and coordination in order to stay healthy and well. You may decide to go swimming with your child every week, give them riding lessons, let them join the local rugby or football club or encourage them to take up another sport such as tennis, badminton, golf, archery, ballet, hockey, gymnastics etc.

Teaching your child about caring for the environment is also important in leading a healthy lifestyle. Children need to be aware of how to respect and care for the world they live in and be introduced to recycling what they use. All sorts of things can now be recycled from your child's art and craft materials to their yoghurt pots and even your old mobile phone! For more ideas on what you can recycle visit www.recylingyourmobile.co.uk.