As a parent or caregiver of a preschooler, you’re already shaping the foundation of your child’s future. Teaching healthy habits today will make an impact for years to come. From eating nutritious meals to maintaining good hygiene and getting enough sleep, these early years are crucial for developing a healthy lifestyle later in life.
At enCourage Preschools in Salem, Oregon, Hillsboro, Oregon and San Antonio, Texas, we love to help equip parents with practical tips for helping your preschooler build healthy habits. Here are just a few of our top daily routine tips for ensuring that your child thrives:
Promote Healthy Eating
Preschool is the perfect time to introduce children to a variety of healthy foods, helping them develop a balanced and positive relationship with food. Here are just a few ways you can encourage healthy eating:
- Make Mealtime Fun: Get creative by presenting meals in fun shapes or colorful arrangements. Encourage your child to participate in food prep by letting her help wash veggies or set the table. The more involved she is, the more likely she will be to enjoy healthy foods.
- Offer Variety: Serve a range of healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Offer different textures and flavors, and be patient—children may need to try something several times before they develop a taste for it.
- Keep Portions Appropriate: Avoid overwhelming your child with too much food. Small portions are key. You can always offer seconds if they’re still hungry.
- Create a Routine: Serve meals and snacks at regular intervals throughout the day. When children know what to expect, they’re less likely to ask for junk food out of boredom or hunger.
- Lead by Example: Children are great imitators. If they see you eating healthy foods and enjoying a balanced diet, they’ll be inclined to do the same.
Establish a Healthy Sleep Routine
Sleep is critical for preschoolers, as they need plenty of rest for their growing bodies and developing minds. Establish a solid sleep routine by implementing some of the following family norms:
- Set a Consistent Bedtime: Try to put your child to bed at the same time each night. A predictable routine signals to the body that it’s time to wind down, making it easier for them to fall asleep.
- Create a Wind-Down Routine: Establish calming activities before bedtime, like reading a story, taking a warm bath or listening to soft music. These activities help signal that it’s time to relax and prepare for sleep.
- Limit Screen Time: Avoid screen time (TV, tablets, phones) at least an hour before bed. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with your child’s natural sleep rhythms.
- Ensure a Comfortable Environment: Make sure your child’s bedroom is quiet, dark and cool. A comfortable mattress and soft bedding can also help promote restful sleep.
- Watch for Sleep Cues: Pay attention to signs indicating your child is tired, such as rubbing their eyes or becoming cranky. Responding to these cues promptly can help prevent meltdowns and promote better sleep quality.
Encourage Good Hygiene
Teaching preschoolers good hygiene habits not only helps keep them healthy but also promotes responsibility. Train your littles on these important life skills by incorporating the following activities into your household routine:
- Make Handwashing Fun: Turn handwashing into a game. You can sing songs or use fun soap dispensers that make bubbles. Show your child how to scrub every part of their hands for at least 20 seconds (or as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice).
- Brush Teeth Together: Brushing teeth can be a challenge for young children, but doing it together can make it more enjoyable. Use a child-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste with fun characters. Encourage them to brush for two minutes and explain the importance of keeping teeth clean.
- Teach Proper Toilet Habits: Make sure your child understands the basics of using the toilet correctly—wiping properly, washing hands afterward, and flushing. You can also make a chart that tracks each successful trip to the bathroom, offering praise and rewards for progress.
- Encourage Daily Hygiene: In addition to handwashing and brushing teeth, help your child understand the importance of bathing, wearing clean clothes, and keeping nails trimmed. Turn these tasks into a part of the daily routine to reinforce their importance.
How enCourage Preschools Supports Healthy Habits
At enCourage Preschools, we understand that healthy habits are the building blocks of a happy, well-rounded childhood. That’s why we work closely with parents to ensure that healthy habits are reinforced both at home and in the classroom.
Our preschool staff teaches children about handwashing and hygiene and provides opportunities for outdoor play and exercise every day. Additionally, our teachers help foster a positive attitude toward health by modeling healthy behaviors and reinforcing routines throughout the day.
With preschools in Salem, Oregon, Hillsboro, Oregon, San Antonio, Texas, and more coming soon, enCourage Preschools is here to support your child’s well-being from infant to pre-K. By partnering with families, we create a consistent, positive experience that helps preschoolers grow up with the healthy habits they need to succeed.
Enroll Your Child Today!
Give your child the best start possible by enrolling them at one of our enCourage Preschools centers in Hillsboro, OR, Salem, OR or San Antonio, TX. Our nurturing environment helps children build healthy habits, develop a love of learning, and thrive spiritually, emotionally and academically. Contact us today to schedule a tour and discover how we can support your child’s growth. We can’t wait to welcome you and your little one to our enCourage family!
