Raising healthy children is a top priority for parents, and the journey to achieving this goal begins with understanding the key components of a healthy lifestyle. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Healthy Living section offers a wealth of information to guide parents in making informed decisions about their children’s nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being. From the importance of a balanced diet to the benefits of regular physical activity, this resource provides practical tips and expert advice to help parents foster a healthy environment for their children. With a focus on holistic wellness, the Healthy Living section covers a range of topics including emotional wellness, oral health, and safety measures, ensuring that parents are equipped with the knowledge to support their children’s health and happiness.


Nutrition: The Foundation of Child Health

Good nutrition is the cornerstone of a child’s health and well-being. The dietary choices made for your child are pivotal in ensuring their optimal development and long-term health. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes the significance of considering nutritional decisions as crucial health decisions. A balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy habits.

• 5 Great Reasons to Cook with Your Kids
• Avoiding Trans Fats
• Cholesterol Levels in Children and Adolescents
• Choosing Healthy Snacks for Kids
• Common Food Allergies
  
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Fitness: Building Healthy Bodies and Minds

Physical activity is essential for children’s growth and development. There is a vast array of activities available, ensuring that every child can find a form of exercise they enjoy. Encouraging your child to engage in regular physical activity from a young age can instill a lifelong habit of fitness. Activities such as cycling, swimming, or team sports not only improve physical health but also enhance mental well-being and social skills.

• 11 Ways to Encourage Your Child to Be Physically Active
• Overcoming Obstacles to Physical Activity
• Physical Activity and Your Child’s Safety
• Weight Training: Age and Development
• Weight Training: Risk of Injury
  
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Sports: Developing Skills and Confidence

Participation in sports plays a vital role in a child’s physical and emotional development. Children develop sports skills in a sequential manner, and it’s important to nurture each stage of this development. By fully supporting each developmental phase, your child can reach their full potential in sports, building confidence, teamwork skills, and a sense of achievement.

• 3 Mental Skills Children Need for Sports
• Choosing a Sports Program
• Development of Sports Skills
• Effects of Puberty on Sports Performance: What Parents Need to Know
• Strength Training Basics (Video)
  
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Oral Health: A Key Component of Overall Wellness

A healthy mouth and teeth are crucial for a child’s overall wellness. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices should be an integral part of your child’s healthcare routine. Incorporating a dental professional into your family’s healthcare team can ensure ongoing oral health, contributing to your child’s overall well-being and comfort.

• Dental Health & Hygiene for Young Children
• Diet Tips to Prevent Dental Problems
• Fluoride for Children: FAQs
• Teeth Grinding in Children
• Oral Health Challenges for Children with Disabilities
  
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Emotional Wellness: Fostering a Positive Self-Image

Emotional wellness is as important as physical health in a child’s development. It’s essential for children to understand that they have a unique and valuable role in the world. Teaching them about the importance of personal contribution and empathy can help them develop a strong sense of self-worth and motivation, leading to a more fulfilling and happy life.

• How to Talk About Mental Health With Your Child and Their Pediatrician
• Helping Children Handle Stress
• Finding Mental Health Care for Your Child
• Mental Health Care Providers for Kids: Who’s Who
• Everybody Gets Mad: Helping Your Child Cope with Conflict
  
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Sleep: Good habits foster long-term benefits


Sleep is critical to proper development in children. The amount and quality of sleep your child gets can affect their safety, alertness, memories, moods, behavior, and ability to learn and comprehend. Establishing good sleep practices while children are young will not only benefit you, but it will help them for years to come.

• Bedtime Routines for School-Aged Children
• Sleep Problems After Separation or Divorce
• Toddler Bedtime Trouble: 7 Tips for Parents
• Healthy Sleep Habits: How Many Hours Does Your Child Need?
• Bunk Beds: Safety Information for Parents
  
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A holistic approach to your child’s health, encompassing nutrition, fitness, sports, oral health, and emotional wellness, is key to ensuring their overall development and well-being. As a parent, your role in making informed decisions in these areas cannot be overstated.

Content provided by HealthChildren.org, a resource of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).