At Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services , a downtown NYC psychologist center, we get a number of questions considering children’s health facts. This is understandable, of course. Everyone wants their kids to be healthy, but there is so much conflicting information out there, it can be difficult knowing what to believe. So we’ve compiled a list of three important health facts you should know about your kids.
They Need an Hour of Exercise a Day
Adults need to get regular exercise, too, but it shouldn’t be that hard for kids, right? Between recess, gym class and all the natural energy they have, getting an hour a day should be simple. However, you have to remember we live in the digital age. Most kids have at least one device they play video games on, plus there’s television and the Internet to compete with too.
That doesn’t make exercise any less important though. Instead of a new video game system, save for a bicycle, trampoline, basketball hoop, etc. These are all fun ways your kids can get exercise without even knowing it.
Sleep Needs Differ by Age
Sleep, like exercise, is another area that you may not think you need to monitor too closely. It’s a natural part of life we all need and kids should generally go to bed when they’re told.
The problem, once again, can be the number of distractions kids have to compete with these days. Making sure they don’t have any of their electronic devices in their room can go a long way toward ensuring they actually sleep when they’re in their room at night.
Between 3 to 6 years of age, kids need about 10 to 12 hours of sleep a day. From 7 to 12, that number should stay about the same, though some may need an hour less or so. In their teenage years, eight to nine is natural, but their physical growth may mean that some need a little more.
Soda Is a Bad Idea
Most of us have fond memories from our childhood of drinking root beer floats and having our favorite soda from time to time. However, numerous studies have shown that soda is not a good choice for our kids. Aside from all the sugar and empty calories, the acidic drink can also do a number on their teeth. Stick to natural juices or at least keep soda as a special treat.
Hopefully these children’s health facts will help you take even better care of your kids.
