Some say that guiding children through their teenage years is
the most challenging task parents face. I can see where that comment
may be coming from but it’s something I look forward to. I think all
stages of parenting are different and challenging.
When children reach their teenage years, they are experiencing many changes – mentally, physically and emotionally. So, it’s no wonder that it can be a challenge for both teenagers and parents. Eating the right food, getting plenty of sleep and staying active are just a few tips for the health of a child.When children reach about 12 years of age, they will have huge growth spurts.
They can grow something like 10cm a year. So, as they grow into an adult, (19-20 yrs old) they require a lot of fuel.They may seem constantly hungry. So, it’s best to have healthy food readily available. When we get up for breakfast, we have all been without food for 8-10 hours.
So, for teenagers , a good breakfast is very important. I can’t understand people who don’t eat breakfast, or people who eat their breakfast as they drive to work in the morning. It’s very important to have a good lunch and dinner. Lunch can be eaten as we are doing whatever we are doing. Something like a salad sandwich, filled roll. This is a good way to have veges.My children have yoghurt a lot of the time , like I did when growing up.So, dinner time…50% of a plate should be veges.Personally , I really enjoy a steak. I am this way because I grew up in a Dairy Farming family. But, we all need our veges. Stir-fries and casseroles are also good ways of provided different types of vegetables. Homemade pizzas and burgers are also enjoyable.
Eat At Home
Preparing at home is a lot healthier and cheaper than eating out / getting takeaways. If your child says they are still hungry after they have just had a meal, they can always have more fruit or vegetables. I limit the amount my children eat in the afternoon. Maybe just a couple biscuits and a sandwich . I always encourage a piece of fruit too.
Keep Them Active
It’s important that children are active. I can’t stand seeing children or anyone for that matter steering at a screen playing games . As I always tell my kids, this is something I stopped when I was about 10. It has gotten worse over the last 25-30 years. We didn’t have the likes of YouTube back then. Actually , we didn’t even have the internet did we.
We limit our two children to about 45 minutes every second day …normally Monday, Wednesday and Friday. That’s it. No games in the weekend. Growing up, my family never had anything like a PlayStation…. all that sort of stuff.It’s insane the amount of time people spend with their mobile phones in their hands. There is even talk now how it is harming bodies… with the constant looking at phones. It often shocks me the number of people looking at their phones. Wherever you are , it’s often at least 50% .
Yes, technology is exciting and great in what it can do for us, but it is also part of our demise.
Run down, always catching colds, stressed, work in busy areas, poor digestive system, in need of a “pick me up”……EVERYONE!!!
Defence: Colostrum’s natural antibodies build immunity through gut health.
Energy: Probiotics and proteins aid digestion, helping you feel more energised and balanced.
Focus: When you have the right balance of nutrients and a healthy digestive system to absorb them, your body and mind are naturally healthier and more focussed.
