Healthy Hearts, Happy Kids!
Guest: Lynsey Smith, Masters student at Furman University
February is American Heart Month, which makes it a great time to think about how you can keep your kid’s heart healthy! Not just now, but for a lifetime. The good news? Supporting heart health can be easy and even fun! Here are some simple ways to show your child’s heart some love this month:
Make Food Fun!: Instead of focusing on what not to eat, celebrate heart-healthy choices in fun ways:
Use cookie cutters to make heart-shaped sandwiches or fruit slices.
Let your child be "taste testers” for colorful veggies and fruits.
Try a “build your own smoothie” night using different veggies, fruits, and yogurt.
Move it, Move it!: Exercise does not have to mean push-ups and running.
Have a dance party in your living room!
Go on a family walk and turn it into a scavenger hunt.
Try fun movement games like Simon Says, hopscotch, or a jumping contest.
Prioritize Sleep: Sleep is super important for heart health, mood, and growth.
Stick to a regular bedtime. On the weekends, try to keep any later bedtimes to just a 1 or 2 hour shift so it isn’t hard to readjust on weekdays.
Create a calming bedtime routine with reading, singing, or gentle stretching that is screen-free.
Drink Water!: Swap sugary drinks with water to keep little hearts happy.
Let your child pick a special cup or reusable bottle.
Add fruit slices, like strawberries or oranges, for a splash of flavor.
Talk About Feelings: Heart health is not just physical, it is emotional too!
Make time for regular check-ins: “What was your favorite part of the day?”
Teach them it is okay to feel sad or mad and how to talk about it with you or others.
Create a “calm corner” at home with books, stuffed animals, or drawing supplies.