Adapted from Healthy Me In a Jar^®: Fun and Simple Health Habits for Little Ones

The new year is underway and resolutions and goals have been set and reset. One goal that usually makes everyone’s list is to be healthier. Why not make it a family or classroom affair? Share these self-care options with the young children in your life and decide which healthy habits to try.

1. Get moving! At least 30 minutes of exercise each day keeps you strong and healthy. (More is great too!)
2. Do you like to play? Playing outside, drawing, and building with Legos are healthier activities than watching too much TV or playing video games.
3. Do you ever feel mad? Take slow, deep breaths to calm yourself. Tell a grown-up about how you’re feeling.
4. Who do you eat breakfast with? Lunch? Supper? What do you talk about together while you eat?
5. Be colorful! Eat lots of different-colored fruits and vegetables every day.
6. H-E-A-L-T-H-Y. What does it spell? Y is for YUMMY. What are some yummy, healthy foods?
7. If you are full, stop eating. You don’t have to clean your plate.
8. Do you like dogs? Cats? Both? Always ask a pet’s owner if you can pet the animal.
9. Laughter is good for everyone. Tell a joke!
10. Getting 10 to 12 hours of sleep each night gives your body and mind time to rest and grow. What time do you go to bed? What time do you get up?
11. Brush your teeth for at least 30 seconds. How long is that? As long as it takes to silently sing the Happy Birthday song twice!
12. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve if you can’t find a tissue quickly enough. Wash your hands if you cough or sneeze into your hands.
13. Close your eyes and breathe slowly in and out. Imagine the breath making a circle in your tummy and chest. Fresh air is good for every part of you!

For more healthy habits, check out Healthy Me In a Jar^®.

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