How a healthy lifestyle supports your child's development

Health at preschool age

Health is an essential part of children's general well-being and plays a crucial role in their physical, mental, and social development. A balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial to prevent obesity and enhance children's motor skills. Outdoor games or visits to the playground provide varied opportunities for children to experience the joy of movement. Abstract health advice like »It's healthy if you move a lot« is often difficult for children to grasp and rarely motivating. It is much more effective when children are encouraged through the enjoyment of movement. Activities like playing hide-and-seek, dancing together, or engaging in ball games stimulate children's natural need for movement and do so in a way that elicits positive feelings. Healthy media use is equally important. It is vital that parents model conscientious media behavior, such as avoiding screens during meals. Help your child develop healthy habits that lead to lasting and positive behaviors.

A smiling boy in a striped shirt against a blue background.

Support activities

Particular attention must be paid to dental care in preschool age. Regular brushing of teeth, limiting the consumption of sugary snacks, and regular visits to the dentist are essential to prevent dental problems such as cavities.

A creative meal for a child to encourage healthy eating.

Handling of sweets

An important aspect of children's physical development is nutrition. A balanced and nutritious diet is crucial for children's general health and growth, and also contributes to cognitive abilities and development. Managing sweets is particularly challenging for both parents and children. Frequent and excessive sugar consumption can damage teeth and contribute to weight gain. Try offering sweets only as occasional treats. A piece of cake or chocolate after lunch is preferable to constant snacking, as it gives the teeth the necessary break to break down acids and reduce the risk of cavities. It is advisable not to use sweets as a reward for good behavior in order to avoid unhealthy eating habits. Instead, delight your child with quality family time, such as playing a dice game or visiting the playground. Consider healthy alternatives to sweets, such as colorful fruit skewers, vegetable plates with funny faces, natural yogurt topped with fresh fruits, fruity shakes, or dried fruits for sweet treats.

A vegetable plate with radishes, cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, and two dips.