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Pediatrician Staffer

Kids (and Teens) Can Set New Years Resolutions Too!

Healthy New Years Resolutions for Kids


The new year is often a time for resolutions. This can be anything from

getting healthier, to getting a new job, to forgiving someone you’ve wronged. But

what about kids?

Kids can also make New Years resolutions. It teaches them discipline and

goal setting. It may also help to provide a list of possible goals and resolutions that

they can stick to— and provide incentive for them to achieve each goal.

Examples for healthy New Years resolutions can include:

— Going outside for at least 30 minutes a day

— Cutting down screen time

— Getting in a new fruit or vegetable with each meal

In Tampa, there are lots of places for kids to get out and get healthy in the New

Year. Visit Tampa Bay has lots of suggestions for things the entire family can do

together in the New Year. One example is Adventure Family Motorsports. Families

can come together and ride dirt bikes— which allow for fun time together while

getting outside.

Another nature fueled activity you can do with your kids is the Boyd Nature

Preserve and Education Center in St. Petersburg. If you’re looking for an option

that you can do for free— Tampa has lots of trails for walking and running. You

can also go down to the Riverwalk and enjoy the outdoors there. It’s important to

keep kids active and away from screens as much as possible.

Another great way to get kids improving their health is cooking. There’s lots

of healthy recipes you can make with your kids— or have them make themselves!

Everything from a veggie or fruit salad— to healthy toast and rollups. Weelicious

has over a dozen easy recipes you can make with your kids— and you can help

them get in on the entire process from grocery store to plate.

If your child is a picky eater— there are plenty of ways to incorporate fruits

and veggies into other foods. You can substitute pasta noodles for zucchini or

squash noodles— or blend vegetables into the cheese sauce for Mac and cheese.

You can add fruit or vegetables as a side to nearly any entree. There’s also protein

aside from meat and fish— like beans or other plant proteins— that provide

alternative options. Getting them involved in the cooking process allows them to

know what they’re eating as it’s being made— as well as try new foods they may

not be familiar with. Encourage them to make their plate colorful— with plenty of

good, whole foods to fill them up and keep them away from cakes, cookies, and

other sugary foods. There’s also ways you can sub out the processed snacks in their lunches or snack time for healthier options. Things like nuts, whole grain crackers with

cheese, and other healthy finger foods can allow them to snack healthy without

reaching for chips or candy at snack time.

As an alternative to sugary drinks and juices— opt for things like fruit

infused water. You can even use sparkling water if your kids still want the bubbly

taste. You can infuse the water with things like strawberry, kiwi, or lemon and

cucumber. It gives them the fruity taste of fruit juices— without the added sugar.

If you have a dog— encourage your kids to get out and play with them.

Have your child walk the dog or throw the ball around the yard or dog park. It gets

the dog moving— and teaches your child responsibility at the same time.

If you want to get your kids moving— there are great ways to do that! You

can take them outside and walk with them— or do things like ride bikes and yoga.

It’s important to keep them moving at least 30 minutes a day. If they want to opt

for something a little more impact— swimming is a great option. You can check

out a community pool or a natatorium and get them enjoying the water— while

getting their exercise. Other fun outdoor sports to do with kids include tennis,

soccer, or even kickball! Dance or mat pilates classes are also a great option. You

can find videos online through Youtube or a subscription service like Peloton.

If it’s winter time and it’s chillier outside— still encourage them to get

outside and enjoy the fresh air if only for a minute. Midday to early evening is

when it’s warmest outside— so that’s the best time to get kids outside when the

temperature starts to drop in the winter time. If it’s a cold or wintery day— there

are activities you can do to get the kids moving without going outside. Bowling,

laser tag, and other activities to do with the whole family can get everyone moving

without going outside. You can also teach them to paint, draw, or write. This gets

them off screens and allows them to be creative.

Another great way to get your kids outside and enjoying a new activity— is

by starting a garden outside your home. If you’re in an apartment— you can do

this on your patio or terrace. If you have a yard— you can set up the garden in your

front or backyard. There are all kinds of plants that can be grown from home. This

includes plants that can hang. This can teach them about plants they may not be

familiar with— while allowing them a new activity.

There are lots of ways to get your kids up and moving. Getting them into

healthy habits in the new year is a great way to teach them discipline and healthy

habits they can carry with them into adulthood.


Remember to schedule your regular check up too.


RESOURCES:

www.visittampabay.com

https://weelicious.com/20-easy-recipes-to-make-with-your-kids/

https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/easy-recipes-for-kids-to-make-by-themselves/

https://gethealthyu.com/45-fun-and-healthy-activities-to-do-with-your-kids-this-

summer/

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