Webber Naturals: Keeping Your Kids Healthy Part 3

It takes more than nutrition and physical activity to keep your children healthy...

Webber Naturals' expert Quinn Hand shares her expertise on how to keep your children focused, healthy and happy!

7. Fishing for focus

If there is one supplement that every child can benefit from it is fish oil. Fish oil, particularly DHA, is critical to the normal development of the brain, ears and eyes. It is important to ensure focus and attention, evening showing great benefits for those children who suffer from ADD or ADHD. Children aged two and up can benefit from about 300mg of DHA and an accompanying EPA dose (600mg).

8. Creating structure

All people benefit from structure and routine, and this is especially true of children. In chaos children feel that their basic needs are threatened, which can lead to stress, anxiety, poor sleep, lack of mental focus and behaviour issues. As we already discussed, consistent sleep and wake cycles are a critical part of structure. However, try to include steps such as:

o A consistent quiet time for 15-30 minutes after school without TV, computers or other electronic devices. Have your child read a book, lie on their bed and relax, listen to gentle music or even meditate (once you teach them).

o Create a meal time schedule – this will not only provide structure in the general sense, but it will ensure that your child’s blood sugar levels are stable avoiding difficulty concentrating and poor mood.

o Develop a guideline for completing homework. The earlier homework is completed the less risk there is of late nights and tired children. Furthermore, the earlier it is done, the more fun you can have as a family in the evening.

o Consider creating a family calendar that outlines the various commitments of each family member. Help your child set timelines for completing tasks, or planning for events by using this calendar.

9. Talk time

Kids often need to talk and get things of their chests. One of the greatest things my parents ever did was to set time aside each night when they came home from work to simply catch up on the day’s events, or talk about more serious issues. Set up a time where your child knows they can have your undivided attention. This adds to the structure but also lets them know they have a safe place and time each day to reach out to you. Of course, they need not be limited to this time, but if we don’t create it, this important step can often be lost in the hustle and bustle of daily responsibilities.

Image source: eHow Family