Helping set your kids up for a happy and healthy future is one of the most important things you can do as a parent. From helping them with finances to eating right, I have 5 easy tips that anyone can do!
Set Your Kids Up for Financial Freedom:
Wouldn't we all love to be able to have financial freedom? I know I wouldn't mind it, haha. With time being on your child's side, you have the ability to help your child get to that place with a custodial Roth IRA. Once your child gets their first job, such as a formal job, or even babysitting, lawn mowing, etc., it's important to help guide them in saving a nice chunk of that money for their future. As their guardian, you can act as the custodian of the account until they turn 18 or 21. The age depends on the state in which you live, and at that time it's turned over to your child.
You can contribute to the custodial Roth IRA account as much as the earned income of the child for the year, up to a maximum of $7,000. Parents are also allowed to add money to their child's account, however you cannot exceed the amount that your child earned in income for the year, or the annual limit ($7000), whichever is less. This will make for a wonderful nest egg for your child and they will be thanking you later when they start making those withdrawals!
Promote Education:
Instilling the importance of education in our children will be a benefit to them all their lives. We as adults are always learning, whether on the job, or even when we get a new cell phone. Learning is an on-going process and part of our daily lives. By teaching your children that learning is an important part of life, this will help them to understand the importance of going to school and doing their best. Whether they are in grade school, college, trade school, or any other sort of training. Having a solid foundation of skills helps to set up our children for a bright future.
Eating Healthy:
It's important to start healthy eating habits when kids are young. This way they are used to eating foods that promote a healthy body and lifestyle. A cycle that you want them to continue doing when they are older. It's never too late to pull back on the sugary drinks, drive past the fast food joints, and walk past the processed meats in the grocery store. You can do this!
If you are looking for some easy ways to get healthy, check out my 10 Ways To Get Healthy Fast post!
Start Exercising:
When our children are young and they run around outside, little do they know or think about the fact that they are actually exercising! Sure, they are having fun, playing, maybe kicking a ball around the backyard, or chasing after bubbles, but they are also keeping their body strong.
When kids are older, they tend to want to always be on their phone or computer, but it's just as important as ever to keep them active. By setting up routines now, they will be more likely to continue them through adulthood.
Some fun, easy ways for the whole family to exercise include taking family walks, going to the park, riding bikes and playing sports. Things everyone can enjoy!
Exercising can help us not only control our weight, but improve our mood, build our self-esteem, promote better sleep, and combat health conditions. The benefits are endless.
Get More Sleep:
This is something I am sure we could all use more of, sleep. There are tons of benefits to getting enough sleep. Everything from getting sick less often, to lowering your risk for serious health problems like diabetes and heart disease. Most adults need 7 or more hours of good-quality sleep (and on a regular schedule) each night. Teens need 8-10 hours, school-aged children need 9-12 hours, preschoolers need 10-13 hours (including naps), toddlers 11-14 (including naps), babies 12-16 (including naps) and newborns 14-17 hours a day.
By setting up routines for our children when they are young, you are helping to set them up for success in the future. Creating healthy patterns that your child can easily replicate on their own is key. And don't worry! If your kids are already in high school, college or beyond. It's never too late to start. There's nothing more rewarding than knowing you are doing all you can for your children.
Best wishes for you and your family!
