Healthy Habits Together
Here's What To Do
1
Demonstrate and encourage healthy habits as a family so your child can imitate and practice them too.
2
There are lots of ways to make healthy habits fun!
- You can make up a funny song together while you wash your hands (at least 20 seconds).
- Practice taking care of “sick” toys while pretend playing together.
- Read or write stories about healthy habits together.
- Or try quick family dance breaks before meals, when you arrive home, or to get the wiggles out before sitting in the car. They’re great exercise and lots of fun!
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Pause with your children whenever you’re ready to practice a healthy habit and name it together. “Time for toothbrushing!”
E
Engage:
- Describe what you or a family member are doing so your child can imitate. “I just blew my nose and threw my tissue away, so now I’ll wash my hands to get rid of the germs.”
- I try to take a walk every day; let’s walk and talk together!”
E
Encourage:
- Be specific when you praise your child for demonstrating healthy habits so they know what they’re doing and keep doing it. “Thank you for coughing into your elbow!”
- Remind them without scolding when they forget. “Remember, we all wash our hands before we eat!”
R
Reflect:
- “What’s the hardest healthy habit for you to remember?”
Not quite ready?
Focus on demonstrating and practicing one healthy habit at a time.
Ready for more?
Ask your child to remind you or show you what to do to be healthy in different situations. “We’re about to cook together, what should we do with our hands first?”
As your child masters this skill...
They will demonstrate healthy habits with assistance.