Dad, Are you almost finished Farming, we are learning about being healthy at home and I have some questions.

Yes, I will meet you inside shortly.

Chris, It's great you are learning about health in school. What kind of questions do you have?

My teacher says there are a few ways to stay healthy at home. I would like to try these at home, please.

Of course, we can! What did the teacher suggest to try at home to stay healthy?

Let me show you!

This is the food pyramid. This will help me keep a well-balanced diet.

My teacher says to go grocery shopping for healthy foods that are fresh like fruits, veggies, and protein sources. 

Use https://www.choosemyplate.gov/ to help us make sure we are getting in all the important foods. It is very important to use portion control as well. This is the example plate the teacher gave us.

We are supposed to have:

6 to 8 veggies

4 fruits

3 or 4 proteins for the week

Eggs, cheese, milk, yogurt

Whole grains like brown rice and wheat bread

Dad! You shouldn't be eating that ice cream! Processed sugars are what help you gain weight.It is okay to have it every now and then but not all the time!

Here try this apple. You know the saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away".

Thank you! WOW you must be learning a lot in school!

Let's be healthy and walk to the park. 

Ok, but I have to make sure to put on sunblock to protect my skin. It's another way I can make sure I am being healthy at home. 

We can't forget our water bottles! Drinking water is very important to staying healthy!

I got mine! Can we go to the park now my friends are probably waiting?

Playing outside as much as possible is a really good way to stay healthy.

We can do a scavenger hunt together as well, or play Simon says outside •(Groark & Song, 2012)

What about yoga and zumba? We can take a class together or acting out scenes from out favorite book.

I would love that daddy!

Ok, we can still talk about this but it is bath time. Another way you can stay healthy is by staying clean. Brush your teeth and make sure you wash with soap.

Ok Dad!

I learned that brushing your teeth can prevent tooth decay! No holes in my teeth, I brush good! See Dad! Our water has fluride which also helps prevent decay! (American Dental Association and the CDC, 2006)