At Sanford fit, our goal is to help you and the kids in your life develop healthy, sustainable habits. But with so much advice out there, it can become overwhelming to know what’s best. At fit, we know that healthy lifestyle choices are about more than eating right and exercising. Understanding what influences our choices is key to building healthy habits, and fit is here to make it easy.
Fit’s kid-friendly activities and resources are designed to captivate their attention and keep them entertained all while learning about healthy habits. Check out our top 4 healthy activities for kids plus the free resources that you can use on the go, at home, or in the classroom!
1. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is intentionally paying attention to breathing, feelings, senses, or actions in the present moment which can increase a child’s ability to regulate their emotions, manage stress, and self-motivate. Some of our favorite ways to practice mindfulness are:
- Mindful Moments Cards: This pack of 20 different mindfulness activities is perfect for taking a moment to pause and recharge the body and brain.
- 5 Senses in 5 Minutes Video: Pausing and using the 5 senses can help kids feel calm and grounded. Watch and follow along with this video to get started!
- Keep a journal: A journal can be used for drawing, creative writing, or personal reflection for processing thoughts and feelings.
2. Stretch, relax, or move the body: There are so many ways to move the body in a way that feels best for you and your kids. Moving every day is important to build strong bones and muscles, improve heart health, and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Check out some of our favorite ways to move the body and let your kids pick what feels good for them.
- Go on a nature walk: Explore the outdoors and enjoy some fresh air! You can even try a different activity outside like riding a bike or rollerblading.
- fitFlow Activity: Yoga is an awesome way to move, stretch, and practice mindfulness. To practice multiple poses, use the fitFlow Activity or check out the Grow Your Flow Yoga Cards if you’re just getting started.
- fitBoost Activity: If your kids want to practice fun fitness moves, then use the fitBoost Activity!
3. Relax without a screen: Making time for screen-free activities allows kids to relax and can lead to improved learning abilities, energy levels, and focus. Here are a few printable activities that empower kids to relax without a screen and get creative!
- Hello Healthy Activity Book: Perfect for littles, this activity book will teach young kids all about healthy choices.
- Power of You Activity Book: This activity book will teach kids how to positively cope with big feelings and empower them to make healthy choices.
- Coloring Pages: If you’re looking to teach kids healthy habits while fostering creativity, look no further than fit’s coloring pages. Choose from positive self-talk or healthy foods pages to get started!
- My Growth Garden: This printable craft makes creativity and practicing positive self-talk easy!
- Gratitude Card Set: It doesn’t need to be a holiday season to send a card or show a loved one how much you appreciate them. Print this set of 6 cards and let kids decorate, write, and give to someone they’re grateful for.
4. Make meals and snacks together: Getting together in the kitchen can be a fun way to get kids involved and invested in the food they eat. Eating as a family also has a wide variety of social and emotional benefits, too. You can use these moments with kids to teach them the benefits of choosing nutritious foods. Check out the resources below for free and easy recipes, tips on navigating pediatric nutrition, and fun activities for kids!
- Our easy meal ideas for kids or favorite snack ideas give you free recipes that kids can make, too!
- How to Incorporate Family-Style Dining into Your Child’s Routine: Learn some fun practices that make family mealtime easy.
- Pin the Food on the Plate Printable: Use this activity to teach kids about making healthy food and beverage choices.
Remember that building healthy habits takes time and practice, but understanding what influences kids’ choices is a great place to start!
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