Children require support and encouragement to lead a healthy lifestyle.  A balanced diet, exercise, physical activities, along with opportunities for positive social experiences all contribute to a healthy lifestyle. 

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Suggestions for implementing a healthy lifestyle for your child...

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• Ensure good nutrition for healthy growth and development. Without the vitamins, minerals and nutrients obtained from a varied and balanced diet, children are more susceptible to illness and health issues.

• Ensure your child has regular exercise by starting and promoting this from a young age, through perhaps cycling or swimming. Children need to build up their physical skills and coordination to stay healthy and well.

• Consider registering your child with a local sports club or sign up to weekly sports activities such as football, tennis, badminton, golf, ballet, or perhaps gymnastics.  

• Physical sports help maintain a positive and healthy state of mind. In addition, your child will build friendships through weekly activities and also develop their social skills and confidence.

• Establish good routines for sleep and hygiene from an early age.

• Protect your child's mental health and well-being by monitoring and limiting screen time.  

• Educate your child on internet safety so they can stay safe online. 

• Limit socialising on instant messaging and social networking apps.

• Encourage your child to spend time offline. Plan for your child to meet up with friends and spend quality time together away from digital devices and smartphones. 

• Offer opportunities for your child to develop social and communication skills through games and experiences with friends and family.

• Provide opportunities for your child to form friendships with their peers, interact and share real life experiences.

• Facilitate outdoor learning and play to support your child's mental health and well-being, whilst also enabling them to connect with nature. Meet with friends at local parks, areas of interest or enroll your child in a Forest School group. 

• Forest School teaches an understanding of nature and the world around us, along with how we care for our planet and keep it clean and green. Outdoor learning also builds resilience in children, an important element in leading a healthy lifestyle.