This post is sponsored by the Florida Department of Health; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I make choices to protect my kids and ensure they are happy and healthy every day. From offering them healthy foods and leading a healthy lifestyle as a family to making sure their vaccines are always up to date. As parents, we play the most important part in keeping our kids safe, healthy and happy.
Protect them and help them strengthen their immune system.
Vaccines are a very important part of keeping my kids healthy. We can protect our kids today so that they can be healthy tomorrow. Vaccines are the best way to protect kids from dangerous diseases, they are the best defense from childhood through old age. That is why I have always vaccinated both of my kids following the CDC’s recommended vaccination schedule.
Diseases that vaccines prevent are still a very real threat in Florida and all across the country and immunization remains the best way to protect against these potentially deadly diseases. No matter what a child’s age vaccines can help protect him. During adolescence, some vaccines need a booster and others protect better when given later in life. That is why I still make it a priority to vaccinate because I want my kids to stay healthy.
After my daughter was born I had to go back to work and she had to go to daycare when she was only 3 months old. She was born a few weeks early and with low birth weight and knowing she had all of her vaccines on time and that she was protected gave me peace of mind. When my son was born I knew that one of the most important decisions I could make was to ensure he was vaccinated.
Vaccines are very important not only for keeping our own children safe but also for keeping other kids and people who may be more susceptible to illnesses safe. Kids may come in contact with dangerous diseases at school or in any public place and our family’s possibility to come in contact with diseases increases because we often visit other countries. We travel to our home country of Guatemala at least a couple of times every year and travel internationally whenever we can. Traveling to new places can put my kids in contact with diseases but because they are vaccinated I know they are protected.
Show them how much you care.
A child’s emotional health is also important and showing your child how much you care for them by spending quality time together, placing value on what they have to say and taking an interest in what they are passionate about. My kids love to explore and he loves nature and science while my daughter loves animals and superheroes. I have taken an interest in the things they love and are passionate about and provide as many opportunities as I can for them to pursue the things they love. We love taking hikes together and learning more about what they’re both passionate about as a family.
Teach them healthy habits.
Healthy kids learn by example and setting an example is the best way for kids to learn healthy habits. At home, I encourage my kids in preparing meals and shopping, which makes it easier for them to be open to eating healthier and trying new foods.
When it comes to exercise we make it a family activity in which everyone participates and we focus on making fun. We love to spend time outdoors hiking and kayaking.
Teach them to manage stress.
Stress management is such an important skill. We often don’t think about how much stress kids can be under. At home, we talk about what situations can cause stress and about how to recognize when you are stressed or anxious. I let my children know that the effort they put into everything they do is more important than the outcome and that they should not compare themselves to others but rather focus on what makes them unique, different and special. To manage stress, we exercise together and we meditate every morning and we talk about the importance of focusing on finding solutions. Providing strategies that my kids use when they feel stressed or anxious like meditation and exercise is a great way to help kids manage stress so they can be happier and healthier.
You can empower yourself to make the best decisions for your child by learning more about why vaccines are the best way to protect your children from dangerous diseases by visiting the Florida Department of Health’s website. I love that there is information in English and Spanish so that every family has access to it and can get informed so they can make the best decision for their children and for all children.
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
- Guatemalan Dulce de Chilacayote Recipe (Crystalized Chilacayote Candy) - February 26, 2024
- Guatemalan Naranjas en Miel Recipe (Candied Oranges Recipe) - February 25, 2024
- Traditional Guatemalan Candy - February 25, 2024
This is best post about kids I read today. Yes, these 3 elements are vital. Immunity level should be built when they are young itself. Vaccinations are highly recommendable. Stress is one thing that people are lacking to manage these days so it’s foremost to teach kids to balance it.
I love that you encourage teaching kids healthy habits and teaching them to manage to stress. These are two things that if properly taught, they will carry into adulthood and will most definitely help with their future success.
I don’t have children but I can only imagine how important teaching children healthy habits is. Plus, I get stressed very easily so I have to take time for myself, and when I do have kids I want to teach them the value of that.
I was saddened when I heard about the outbreaks. On April 24, 2019, the CDC was reporting 695 cases of measles from 22 states. I could not believe that so many children were not being immunized and wondered why would a parent not take every precaution to protect their child from such deadly diseases.
A considerable amount of cases are adults, not children.
Great tips! I believe in teaching our kids how to manage their emotions. That’s something that they won’t learn in school. Having a good immune system is definitely important to be healthy, specially when they are in contact with other kids that might be sick.
Candace Hampton
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
You are an amazing parent. I agree with every single point. Yes, strengthen your child emotionally so he /she can learn how to manage stress even in later stages of life. This is so important in today’s scenario.
Say it louder for the people in the back!!! YAS! I could not agree more that vaccinating your children is a way to, not only show your care but help them live a long, healthy and happy life. As someone who is immunocompromised, thank you for not only protecting your children but helping to protect me as well.
Good tips. I help my kids by letting them know they can talk to me about any problem they face. I don’t want them to think I don’t care or that I’m not listening.
These are some of the best tips I’ve seen for raising happy and healthy kids. I’m so glad you added vaccines to your list. It’s so important not only for our kids but others as well, so they don’t end up with something like measles and end up spreading it.
It’s so important to vaccinate your kids to ensure they don’t get sick or spread diseases to others. It’s also important to teach them to manage stress!
Healthy habits for children are so important because they become ingrained and stay with them as they become adults. Vaccinations and stress management are so important!
I allow my kids to get vaccines, but I think it is OK for parents to make decisions about their children’s health and wellbeing. Thankfully, my husband and I are in agreement about it.
It is really good work