It is during the adolescent years that parents can help lay the groundwork for a healthy, well-rounded adult. Healthy habits are essential for well-being and the promotion of lifelong health. The teen growth spurt involves body transformation as well as profound physical, emotional, and social changes.
By fostering healthy habits during adolescence to aid rapid physical development, parents can help prevent chronic diseases later in adulthood. When adolescents feel emotionally supported by their parents, they are more prone to follow healthy behaviours, including regular physical activity and proper nutrition. Emotional support helps teens cope with stress and challenges, reducing the likelihood of engaging in unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse.
Sport
As a parent, you can support your adolescents by making exercise a fun and rewarding experience rather than compulsory.
Adolescents may feel vulnerable during this crucial phase of their lives, and you play an essential role in being an example of a healthy lifestyle. Support teens by encouraging participation in different sports or physical activities and aim to limit sedentary behaviour by reducing screen time to diminish the risk of obesity.
You can also support your teens by participating in physical activities together, creating happy memories for the future. Offer encouragement and celebrate when they achieve their goals. Going for a family walk, playing sports together, or engaging in shared physical activities strengthens family bonds and promotes teenagers’ physical health.
Diet
Parents can influence dietary habits, encouraging different physical activities and overall healthy behaviours. Stress, boredom, or emotional distress can lead to unhealthy eating patterns by viewing food as a source of comfort.
Establishing healthy family dietary habits by making healthy food choices will encourage teenagers to model positive behaviours that will support them throughout their lives.
Some adolescents skip breakfast due to lack of appetite or getting up late for school, which can lead to decreased energy levels and poor concentration. They may then compensate at school with snacks like chips and cookies that are unhealthy, lacking nutrients, and high in sugar, salt, and fat, contributing to obesity.
Lead by example at home by offering a balanced diet and involving your teens in meal planning and cooking. Teach them to listen to their bodies to understand when they are full and to distinguish between eating out of need or as an anxiety-calming behaviour. Offer praise when your teen makes healthy choices.
Proteins in meat, nuts, pulses, and eggs are essential for muscle development, tissue repair, and hormone production. Calcium is crucial during adolescence when bone mass is rapidly increasing. Sources of healthy fats include avocados and olive oil.
Emotional support helps teens cope with stress and challenges, reducing the likelihood of engaging in unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse
Dr Emma Allende
Teen girls are at risk of iron deficiency due to growth spurts and menstrual losses. Iron found in red meat and leafy vegetables helps with cognitive function and energy levels.
Offering a colourful range of fruits and vegetables will meet the body’s needs for fibre and various vitamins. Whenever possible, choose whole grain bread, pasta, rice, and cereals to provide sustained energy and promote satiety.
Energy drinks can have serious adverse effects on adolescents due to their high and unregulated caffeine content, including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, restlessness, and anxiety. These effects can lead to difficulty sleeping, headaches, and stomach aches.
Sleep
During the adolescent years, a higher number of sleep hours are needed to allow the body to cope with the growth spurt. Help them by creating a calming bedtime routine and educate them on the importance of reducing screen time before bed to promote better sleep quality.
Be realistic
Physical health in adolescence lays the groundwork for a healthy adult life. The role of parents in creating a supportive environment, educating, and encouraging autonomy can impact their adolescent’s physical health and emotional well-being.
Be realistic about your expectations regarding physical health, as every single adolescent is different, and it can take time to see progress. Focus on celebrating progress rather than them being perfect according to your standards.
Help is also at hand if you need support or are worried about your teens. Do not hesitate to ask for help. Your GP practice will offer guidance as well as further support if required.
