Maintaining the mental and physical health of children is the most important thing that must be done by parents. This is because mental and physical health is very sustainable and is very crucial for the growth and development of children. The main way to maintain children's health is to apply good parenting or parenting. Because the child's character and mentality will certainly grow in accordance with the upbringing of their parents. So, here are 5 parenting tips to maintain the mental and physical health of children:
- Teach children to maintain cleanliness and safety
Provide sufficient information to children about the importance of maintaining personal hygiene, the environment, and how to choose healthy foods. In addition, considering the level of activity at the age of children, we must also provide sufficient information about activity safety. Don't forget to convey it in the right way so as not to seem scary.
- Teach children to maintain health
Make it a habit to provide a variety of foods as early as possible so that children get to know many flavors and are not picky about food. Get used to children to limit consumption of foods high in fat, sugar, and salt. In addition, make it a habit for children to sleep at least 9-12 hours every day. No less important, always encourage children to do physical activity. Finally, as parents we also have to set an example and apply the habit of not staring excessively at television screens, smartphones, or video games.
- Teach children how to handle stress
Stress can disrupt a child's daily life. Therefore, educating and training children how to relieve stress is also very important, so that children can learn to deal with it on their own when experiencing stress.
- Teach children to build self-confidence
It is very important for parents to build self-confidence in children so that they can develop appropriate interpersonal and behavioral skills. There are several factors in children's insecurity, namely the lack of parental support, receiving too much criticism, overprotective parenting patterns that make them mentally disturbed and become insecure.
- Give appreciation and attention
Keep in mind that you should never feel embarrassed to give appreciation and praise if your child has done something positive. Appreciate the effort that the children have made, no matter how small, and don't forget to give praise for working hard to get things done.
Those are 5 parenting tips to maintain the mental and physical health of children. Don't forget to apply it from a young age so that children are always healthy and ready to become an independent generation in facing challenges when they are outside the home. If you still feel that you need professional help in parenting children, mothers and fathers can consult a pediatrician or child psychologist.
Article reviewed by Maria Dwindita, S.Psi., M.Psi (Child & Adolescent Psychologist at EMC Hospital Tangerang).