Moms and Dads
How Moms Can Maintain a Healthy Household
Maintaining a healthy household is made possible thanks to the decisions that moms make for their families.
There’s no doubt that mothers wear many hats for the benefit of their families. They play the role of providers, homemakers, advisors, and teachers. They’re also incredibly important in making decisions to maintain a healthy household.
Having a shared experience
Lady Imelda de Guzman, a registered nutritionist dietitian from the Nutrition Section of the Makati Health Office defines health as “the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease.” She highlights several tips in creating healthy nutrition at home. “Make meals a shared experience,” she advises. She also tells moms not to go to the grocery when hungry. Because this creates additional budget expenses!
“My life is in your hands,” highlights the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child. This was the first message from Professor Angie Navasero, a faculty from the University of Santo Tomas. In addition, Navasero described the five components of nurturing care. These are good health, adequate nutrition, safety and security, responsible caregiving, and early learning opportunities. “To reach a child’s full potential, children need these five interrelated components,” says Navasero.
“Beyond providing children with nutritious meals, practicing good hygiene by frequently washing hands and thoroughly cleaning utensils, cookware, and high-touch surfaces can go a long way in ensuring each member of the family stays healthier throughout their lives.”
Creating a nurturing environment
Understanding health goes beyond the physical environment—especially in today’s world. Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao, a general pediatrician, shares that nurturing family relationships help gain acceptance and action on health, hygiene, and nutritional practices at home. “One of the most important parenting provisions is to create a safe and supportive environment for children. To be sensitive to the child’s needs and distress and to respond appropriately.”
Dr. Estanislao also touched on the five components of nurturing care. She explained that nurturing care is characterized by a stable environment that promotes health and optimal nutrition and protects children from threats. Moreover, it gives them opportunities for early learning—through affectionate interactions and relationships. “A child’s home environment, including and especially how their parents or caregivers nurture and raise them, has long-lasting effects on several outcomes. This includes the child’s physical, mental, developmental, and socio-emotional health.”
The relentless efforts of mothers every day
Throughout a child’s life, parents provide children with a foundation of good nutrition, health, and hygiene practices. Mothers are especially in a relentless pursuit to instill these best practices in the lives of their children.
Moms and dads need to establish these best practices at home through a shared experience. Dr. Estanislao explains, “Parents and caregivers should model the behaviors and healthy habits they want their children to adopt. They should couple this with routine and consistency.”
By implementing healthy habits and routines, prioritizing the tips from these experts, and fostering open communication, moms can maintain a healthy household and provide a nurturing environment for their families!
Read more about how you can maintain a healthy household:
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