from FAIRLADY
Image: happy Kids

1. BREAKFAST IS KING

It’s good because:
Oats and cereal have loads of carbohydrates and fibre, as well as other important micro-nutrients, and are low in fat.

But will they do it?
The little toys often found in cereal boxes could make your kids a little more enthusiastic, but your example is the most important – a cup of coffee and two cigarettes does not qualify as a balanced breakfast.

‘Most adults don’t eat breakfast, even though 80 percent say it’s important,’ says registered dietitian Liz Kullman of the Kellogg’s Nutrition Advisory Service.
‘You could try telling children they’ll be cleverer if they eat some fruit and yoghurt, for example. Kids who don’t eat breakfast don’t perform as well at school; it affects memory and recall,’ says Liz.

2. WHEN YOU GOTTA GO...

Adults and children should go to the toilet as soon as they feel the urge.

It’s good because:
Delaying your trip to the bathroom could lead to both constipation and incontinence.

But will they do it?
Let your potty-trained toddler sleep with a nappy. Explain the reason for regular toilet visits to your older child. Ensure that teachers allow children to go to the toilet when necessary.

3. BRUSH UP ON DENTAL HYGIENE

Teeth should be brushed after breakfast and before bedtime. Children aged 8 and up should learn to floss.

It’s good because:
Plaque can build up, leading to tooth decay. Tooth decay has been linked to adult health problems such as heart disease.

But will they do it?
Toothbrushes with pictures and flavoured toothpaste could help you here. Pre-schoolers may respond to a star chart, while older children should be told that stinky breath may put off potential friends. Let them smell their own morning breath by licking their arm and then smelling it a bit later.

4. TAKE FIVE

Your child’s diet should include at least five fruits and veggies per day.

It’s good because:
Fruit and vegetables provide basic nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, as well as lots of fibre.

But will they eat it?
Never turn mealtimes into a battle, and bear in mind that in the long term most children do fall in line with family eating patterns. Offer a variety of vegetables in bite-sized pieces and sneak them into soups and stews. Keep fruit available at all times for quick snacks.

5. TOO OLD FOR TANTRUMS, TOO YOUNG FOR ROAD RAGE

Teach them to express their emotions properly.

It’s good because:
Keeping anger and other emotions bottled up is as bad as expressing them inappropriately. Parents may not realise it, but as many as 11 percent of children and adolescents suffer from anxiety that affects their ability to get on with their lives.

But will they do it?
Learn how to express your own emotions, both positive and negative. Create time daily without television, friends or other distractions when you and your children can talk freely about the events of the day and the emotions related to them.

For information on how to help children deal with emotional difficulties, teachers and parents can call the Depression and Anxiety Support Group on (011) 783-1474/6 or (011) 884-1797

6. COME CLEAN

Children should bath once a day and wash hands before meals and after going to the toilet.

It’s good because:
Everyone carries bacteria and viruses on their hands. Washing your hands will lower the chances of being infected with disease.

But will they do it?
Provide a step so toddlers can reach the basin. Bubbles and bath toys make bathing fun. For older kids, let them get a look at what germs really look like.

7. RUN FOR FUN

It’s good because:
Children need exercise to grow, strengthen bones and muscles, and to enhance circulation. Active children are also more likely to grow into active adults, so there’s a lifetime benefit.

But will they do it?
Encourage outdoor activities by buying toys that require physical activity, such as bicycles, skateboards and cricket bats, and, most importantly, take the time to play with your children. If you’re horizontal on the couch watching Egoli with a glass of wine, they may not respond enthusiastically.

8. DRINK, MY SWEETIE, DRINK

Your child needs one glass of fluid for every 10kg of his own weight, plus two.

It’s good because:
Water flushes out the kidneys and rehydrates the body.

But will they do it?
Water is best. Make ice water and ice cubes available on hot days. Don’t always provide juice or fizzy drinks.

9. ATISHOO, ATISHOO, WE ALL FALL DOWN

Your kids should cover up when they sneeze and cough, and use a tissue rather than their sleeves or the tablecloth.

It’s good because:
This will lower their chances of picking up or spreading viruses.

But will they do it?
School-age children will love to get involved in the more gruesome details about snot and the different germs in it. The best you can hope for is that they contract flu at the beginning of their holidays – it’s the best deterrent around.

10. DON'T KISS THE KAT

Children should stay away from animal saliva and faeces. If you have a cat, don’t consider a sandpit for your kids. Your cat will think you’ve provided the world’s largest litter box, just for him…

It’s good because:
Cats and dogs can give your child worms. Inhaling the fumes of cat faeces can cause toxoplasmosis. This can cause birth defects in unborn children.

But will they do it?
Show your child a specimen of a worm from a pet. Make it a habit to wash hands immediately after playing with animals to get rid of worm eggs.

11. PRIVATE PARTS STAY PRIVATE

It’s good because:
All children are vulnerable to sexual abuse, not only from strangers but also from people they know.

But will they do it?
Teach your child that parts covered by their swimsuit should not be touched by anyone. Roleplay tricky situations and encourage open communication.

Teach them Childline’s national toll-free number: 08000-555-55.

12. NO MORE SQUARE EYES (Give TV a break)

It’s good because:
Too much television stifles a child’s creativity and imagination and reduces social interaction. A Spanish study showed that children who watch television for more than an hour a day are more likely to get injured in the playground, as their bodies are unused to activity.

But will they do it?
Limiting a child’s TV watching is a parent’s responsibility. Board games, books, outdoor fun and games and playmates need to be there as an alternative. Again, your behaviour will set the precedent.

13. TRASH THAT JUNK FOOD

It’s important because:
Fast food is high in fat and doesn’t provide energy. It can lead to obesity, diabetes and heart disease. The number of fat kids in South Africa is on the increase.

But will they do it?
Make healthy food more interesting than junk food. Use a variety of bright veggies and fresh and dried fruit. Don’t make junk food a reward or a treat, or make healthy food seem like a punishment. Your lectures about healthy eating will be less convincing if you’re devouring super-size fries at the time.

14. SLEEP IS BEAUTIFUL

Children need at least nine hours sleep per night, and toddlers an extra hour during t