The team here at YourGP are passionate about the health and wellbeing of children and young people – we know that making children aware of the need to make healthy choices from an early age sets them up to lead happier and healthier lives. So read on for ways to encourage your child to embrace healthy living, whatever their age…

1. Eat well

Eating a balanced diet is essential for every growing child, so aim for a balanced rainbow diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Most children go through a stage of fussy eating, but try to lead by example by eating together as a family at the dinner table, and keep the mood light and positive to help avoid mealtime battles. When possible, encourage your child to help prepare the food, cook, bake and experiment in the kitchen to build a positive relationship with food.

2. Set a sleep routine

Growing children need plenty of rest to help their bodies and brains develop. A regular bedtime routine such as a bath, bedtime story and cuddles will help your child to recognise when it is time to wind down, and doing this at the same time every night will help to regulate their circadian rhythm.

3. Exercise regularly

Evidence suggests children need at least 60 minutes of physical exercise per day. Exercising with your child through games and activities is a great way to bond, whether it be a simple kick about in the back garden, or participating in your local Park Run every weekend. Making simple lifestyle changes such as walking, scooting or riding a bike to school instead of jumping in the car is another effective way to stay active.

4. Read together often

Encouraging your child to read is hugely important – it increases their vocabulary, broadens their understanding and awareness, and helps them to articulate their thoughts and feelings, which is essential for good mental health.

5. Provide opportunities to learn

From music lessons to martial arts – enabling your child to explore extra-curricular activities will equip them with a wealth of skills and help them build connections with new people. And not all after-school activities necessarily need to cost money. From volunteering at your local community garden, to walking the neighbours’ dogs, these experiences all help to increase your child’s understanding of the world around them.

6. Make memories

From exploring the great outdoors to building dens in the living room on a rainy day – set aside regular one-on-one time to reconnect with one another to forge a more open, trusting and fun relationship.

7. Be a good role model

Think about the qualities you hope your child will have and reflect on how you can inspire those traits. Compassion, strength, determination, respect, courage, curiosity, creativity, honesty, empathy – be a role model for your child by demonstrating these characteristics every day.

8. Protect their health

Make sure your child attends all their medical appointments, including routine childhood vaccination appointments. If and when they become unwell, trust your gut instinct. If they don’t seem their usual self or they display any signs or symptoms that you’re worried about, seek medical attention right away.

9. Talk openly about mental health

Awareness of mental wellbeing should start at a young age. Help your child to recognise and articulate their emotions and set an example by talking openly about your own feelings.

10. Make them feel loved every day

Recognise their strengths, praise their good deeds, keep them safe – tell them and show them that you love them every single day.

Why families trust YourGP

Families across Edinburgh and beyond trust YourGP to look after their children’s health. And that is because our team understands there is nothing more worrying for parents than their child becoming unwell.

For this reason, we offer short notice appointments – so you can be seen by a highly qualified and experienced medical professional as soon as possible. We also offer extended appointment times so you can discuss any health concerns in depth, without feeling rushed. Finally, we do all we can to put your mind at ease – our two practices have a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, and we pride ourselves on our rapid test turnaround times.

If you would like to speak to a doctor about your child’s health, book an appointment at YourGP via our simple online booking system, email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.