Last week we shared some healthy dessert recipes for the whole family. To follow up, we thought it would be the perfect time to share some healthy everyday habits for families, because we all know that health encompasses a lot more than what we eat. There are so many aspects of health—physical, emotional, mental, and more. It’d be impossible for us to cover every aspect of family health in one blog post; plus, there’s no one-size-fits-all prescription for families. So today we’re just going to share a few habits that we think every family can benefit from.
Read Together
Not only does reading to your children expand their vocabularies and set them up to be strong readers, but it makes room for quality time with your family. Children and parents alike can benefit from even half an hour of unplugged, reading aloud time as a family.
Learn Together
Reading together is the perfect segway to learning together, and the two can often happen simultaneously. If your child asks you what a word means and you don’t know the answer, look it up together. It’s important to show children that learning never stops. Even grown ups can (and should!) learn new things. But reading doesn’t have to be the only way you learn together. Take a class as a family, such as swing dance, pottery, or practice a foreign language together during dinner.
Imagine Together
Parents know that kids can have crazy imaginations. Adults often lose that sense of wonder, excitement, and creativity. So maybe it’s time to let your child teach you to dream again. Get silly and dream about what it would be like to be a fish in the ocean, or a king in a faraway country. Giving kids the space and freedom to imagine is a way to foster their emotional health.
Play Together
Amidst busy schedules, school, and evening activities, it’s important for families to schedule time to have fun together. Yes, it’s OK to schedule fun! Set aside a week night or a Saturday dedicated to family play time. Maybe you host a family soccer game, participate in a local fun run, build something together, or go on a hike. Whatever it is, have fun. Families who play together create deeper bonds and lasting memories.
Eat Together
It’s not all about what you eat, but how you eat. Eating together promotes conversation, sharing about highs and lows of the day, and getting to know your kids as they grow. But don’t take our word for it…check out these nine reasons why families should eat together.
Do you have other habits or practices that your family enjoys? We’d love to hear about it! Comment below and share your favorite tips for healthy families.