Page 13 - IFV May Issue 2025

Lifestyle

before bedtime, and stretching every hour if using screens
or studying.

Be a role model
Your habits set the tone for your household and teens learn
far more from what they see than from what they’re told. If
you want them to limit screen time before bed and you’re
glued to your phone, they may push back. Show them what
healthy living looks like by:
• preparing balanced meals and involving them. Ask for
their opinion on which protein to include for dinner –
this will make them feel more invested;
• participating in activities they also enjoy such as a hike
or sports;
• practising stress management techniques such as
mindfulness, journaling or prayer, to stay present and
calm.

Create a healthy home environment
Your home environment plays a huge role in shaping
healthy habits, so stock your kitchen with nutritious snacks
such as nuts, fresh fruit, whole grain crackers, low sugar
health bars, popcorn and yoghurt.
Try to make meal times relaxed and inclusive, and rather
than lecturing, focus on positive messaging that highlights
the benefits of eating foods that can fuel their energy and
make them feel good. Dinner time should be a space for
connection, not conflict. If conversations become tense,
consider setting aside a different time for sharing one on
one.

Encourage restful sleep
Sleep is essential for a teen’s physical and mental health,
yet can often be overlooked when school demands or
late night gaming keep them awake. Help them develop
a consistent bedtime routine by encouraging screen-
free time before going to bed, suggesting calm pre-bed
activities like reading, and setting a regular bedtime and healthy meal or a shared experience such as a movie night.
wake-up schedule.
Keep conversation open
Make physical activity fun Teens value autonomy, so empower them to take ownership
The key to physical activity is helping your teen find a of their habits while offering the guidance and support they
movement type that they enjoy and that makes them feel need. Check in regularly to see how they’re feeling about their
good, relieve stress and build confidence. These can include goals, and ask open-ended questions such as “what’s been
soccer, skate boarding, swimming, dancing, hiking or working for you so far” or “is there something you’d like to
anything that focuses on the joy of movement rather than adjust or try next?”
fitness or weight goals. The teen stage is one that many parents dread, but it is a
crucial stage for them to build trust and habits that set them
Celebrate their wins up for a healthy start to adulthood.
Teens thrive on positive reinforcement so celebrate their
progress, no matter how small. Acknowledge their effort Issued on behalf of Joekals by Olivia Jones Communications.
and let them know you’re proud. Celebrate with a fun, Photos supplied by Laager Rooibos.

The Villager • May 2025 • 11