TIPS on how to keep youngsters healthy this spring are available on Warwickshire County Council’s website.
According to the World Health Organisation, toddlers and pre-schoolers should be physically active every day for at least three hours and older children and young people should aim for an average of 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
Activities involving moving around, such as playing “tag”, skipping, and dancing can be good ideas to start with.
But WCC has also compiled more inspiration on different ways to keep children energetic on its Keep active webpage.
Children should also eat five or more portions of fruit and vegetables every day. Most of their calories should be from healthier foods and lots of sugary or high-fat foods should be avoided. To help them eat the right amount it’s good start with small portions and let them ask for more if they want it.
For support and advice on the development of pre-school children visit WCC’s You and Your Child webpage. For teenagers, there are tips for healthy eating provided by the British Nutrition Foundation.
Children experience all sorts of emotions as part of growing up – fear, disappointment, sadness, anxiety, anger, joy, hope and so on. Parents and carers can support children to give them the best chance to stay mentally healthy. Encouraging and guiding a child to think about their mental health and well-being are vital skills parents can teach them from a young age.
A positive relationship with their carers directly and positively affects a child’s mental health. Visit the Health services for children and family webpage for a range of health and emotional well-being services that provide information, advice and support to children and young people.
John Coleman, WCC’s assistant director for children and families services, said: “Spring is a great time to focus on our daily habits and adjust where we need to. We all want our children to be healthy, happy, safe, and fulfilled. Positive outcomes are also associated with better school attendance, academic performance, self-esteem, and overall health.
“What we teach our children when they are young, and the habits we help them to form, can have a lasting effect as they grow up.”
For a wider range of support visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/childrenandfamilies
