Blog

January’s Parenting Tip: Establishing Lifelong Healthy Habits

Jan 17, 2025

America’s children are facing multiple challenges to their mental and physical health. Some of the reasons include increased screen time, lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, and the pressures of academic and social expectations. What can parents do to positively impact their children’s health and establish lifelong healthy habits?

According to Beverly Anderson, Executive Director for Ebenezer Child Care Centers, “The best thing parents can do to ensure the health of their children is to live their lives in a healthy and safe manner. Children learn by example, making parental influence fundamental in shaping their health habits.”

“Children always look to their parents or caregivers as role models. Whether that means wearing sunscreen every day or eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, parents should always remember that young, loving, and impressionable eyes are watching.”
Anderson says there are several things you can do to establish lifelong healthy habits for your family.

“Creating healthy habits as a family is an investment in your children’s long-term well-being. By modeling healthy behaviors, establishing consistent routines, and habit stacking health-promoting activities together, you’re nurturing a supportive environment that prioritizes health and togetherness.”

Model Healthy Behaviors

According to Anderson, when parents model healthy behaviors, they become a natural part of everyday life for the whole family. Children are much more likely to follow suit when they see their parents consuming nutritious foods, engaging in physical activity, and practicing mindfulness.
“Create healthier habits by encouraging family meals together centered around wholesome, balanced foods rich in fiber. Choose engaging physical activities such as walks, bike rides, or family dance sessions together. These shared experiences not only promote health but also create lasting memories and reinforce the importance of a healthy lifestyle for your children.”

Establish Routine and Consistency

Anderson says that, establishing health-conscious routines as a family can not only help promote healthy behaviors but also strengthen bonds and create the foundation for your children’s future health.
She says consistency is key when it comes to instilling healthy habits. When you stick to a routine, it helps reinforce the behavior and makes it easier to maintain over time. “Establishing regular meal times, consistent sleep schedules, and designated family activity periods contributes to creating a structured routine that supports health-conscious habits,” says Anderson.​

Habit Stack Healthy Activities Together

Finally, Anderson suggests that you practice habit stacking which involves attaching a new behavior to an existing habit, making it easier to incorporate positive changes into daily routines. For example, pairing family meals with discussing the day’s highlights or challenges can reinforce the habit of open communication while promoting healthier eating habits. Also, integrating physical activities into regular family outings or weekend routines can create opportunities for shared experiences and active living.
“Habit stacking increases the likelihood of new habit formation by simplifying the process of behavior integration into daily life. It also encourages consistency to new habits over time, leading to long-term behavior change and improved outcomes.”

Ebenezer Child Care Centers is a not-for-profit, locally based agency committed to providing early childhood programs from the heart. The agency prides itself on being different from other child care providers in that it offers a home-like atmosphere; individualized, nurturing care; and a structured curriculum that is virtues-based for every child’s developmental stage.

Every Ebenezer Child Care Center focuses on all aspects of a child’s development: cognitive, physical, emotional, and social. In addition to providing quality care, the agency also offers other educational programming all aimed at helping parents.
The agency has locations in Downtown Milwaukee, Oak Creek, and West Allis/Wauwatosa. The agency’s main office is located at 1138 S. 108th Street, West Allis. For more information, please call the agency at 414-643-5070.

january parenting tips featured image lifelong healthy habits