Healthy Life Training for Children

Help your kids take action when it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle.

Empower your children to lead a healthy life with training tips and tools provided by our Clarkston, Smyrna and Lithonia GA, pediatricians. Here are some ways in which parents can help their children lead healthier lives,

Make Sleep a Priority 

Routine is vital, especially regarding your child’s sleep schedule. Be consistent with when your child goes to bed every night. Children between the ages of 1-2 need anywhere from 11-14 hours of sleep, while kids between the ages of 3-5 need about 10-13 hours of sleep. Kids between the ages of 6-13 need anywhere from 9-12 hours, while kids between the ages of 14-18 need about 8-10 hours of sleep each night.  Help your kids create a nightly ritual like a relaxing bath and story time before bed to get them excited about getting ready for sleep.  

Make Sure Kids are Physically Active 

Most kids have a lot of energy, and they should use this to their advantage by participating in sports or physical activities they love. Encourage your child to be active, whether going to the park, playing sports at school or taking on a solo activity such as gymnastics or martial arts. All children should get about one hour of physical activity a day. Make sure they are stretching adequately before play and staying hydrated.

Eat a Whole, Unprocessed Diet 

Balanced, nutritious meals are the best way to fuel your child for activity and help them grow healthy and strong. This means avoiding junk foods and processed foods such as sugar-laden cereals and packaged items and eating more whole foods such as lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, legumes and low-fat dairy. Ensure your child is also getting enough fiber daily, which can help them feel fuller longer and support a healthy digestive tract.  

Set Time Limits on Electronics 

Technology these days is pretty incredible, and while you want your child to have access to technology when they need it, you also want to know when those digital devices need to go in time out. Set boundaries around when and how long your child can spend on their tablet or a smartphone. You may wish to have a “no phones at the dinner table” rule, so your child is more engaged in conversations with the family rather than playing on their device. We also know that playing on these devices, particularly at night, could impact your child’s sleep quality.

Our Clarkston, Smyrna and Lithonia GA, pediatricians can provide you with training, support and advice to ensure your child is leading a healthy life. Whether you need to schedule your child’s next appointment or you have questions about your child’s diet, lifestyle and overall health, call Decatur Pediatric Group today at (404) 296-7133.

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Hours of Operations

Our Regular Schedule

Clarkston Location

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Smyrna Location

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Lithonia Location

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed