While you were growing up, did your mom have health rules that are almost repeated daily or often? My mother did and to this day, I still remember some of them. Well it is hard to forget as she continues to dispense the same advice to all her grandchildren including my kids. I realize that some of these rules are actually universal. Below are listed some of the rules and see whether any of them sounds all too familiar to you.
#1: Do not sit too close to the TV as it will ruin your eyesight
Sitting too close to the TV will not ruin your child’s eyesight according to the American Optometric Association. It is fine if your child wants to watch TV even with his nose pressed against the screen. It will cause eyestrain and eventually a headache but this does not worsen his vision. It is important not to watch TV in total darkness though as the lighting contrast will worsen the strain. Anyway, advice your child to sit within a normal distance to prevent eyestrain.
photo credit: treehouse1977
#2: Do not read in the dark
Reading in the dark can give eyestrain and in the long period may cause blurred vision and headaches as well. This bad habit may speed up the occurrence of nearsightedness in children that are genetically predisposed. Hence, ensure there is sufficient lighting when reading and to keep books at arm’s length.
#3: Finish up your food, other kids are starving
Your child should eat and stop eating based on his appetite. The goal is not necessary to have a clean plate every time. This trains your child to control his eating and to eat when he is hungry and to stop when he is full. This prevents overeating and reduces the risk of becoming overweight.
#4: Eat your breakfast
Children who eat breakfast perform better in class. A lot of breakfast food also supplies plenty of fiber, calcium and iron to them. However as long as your child has something to nibble on, even though it is leftover pizza, it still counts as breakfast.
#5: Sit up or stand up straight
When a child slouches or slumps over, it puts a lot of strain or pressure on the neck, shoulders and back. It also prevents the lungs from completely filling. Besides nagging, a parent can help by keeping their kids active. This makes the muscles strong to maintain alignment.
As you can see, some of your mom’s teaching may not be totally wrong after all. I like to nag my own kids on the above once in awhile especially the one on eating breakfast every morning before going to school.