The first five years of age of children are very important for their mental, physical and emotional development. The habits and environment that are formed in their life at this time have an impact throughout their life. It is very important for parents to keep their children away from certain things that can harm their health and development. Keep children up to 5 years away from these things, Important steps for the healthy development of children.
1. Screen Time (Mobile, TV and Tablet)
In today’s digital age, keeping children away from mobile, TV and tablet is the most challenging task, but it is very important for them.
Why is it harmful?
Long time focus on the screen has a bad effect on the eyes of children.
It can spoil their sleep pattern.
Excessive use of digital devices can lead to a decrease in social skills and language development.
What to do?
Limit screen time for children to 30 minutes daily.
Play physically and mentally stimulating games with them.
Promote activities like storytelling and painting.
2. Junk Food and Processed Food
Pizza, burgers, chips and other processed foods can be harmful to the health of children.
Why is it harmful?
They contain excessive sugar, salt and trans fat, which causes obesity and other diseases.
This can have a negative impact on the brain development of children.
What to do?
Feed children homemade nutritious food.
Include fruits, nuts, and vegetables in their diet.
Gradually eliminate junk food from their diet and introduce healthier alternatives.
3. Violent or Scary Content
Violent or scary content on TV, YouTube and games can have a profound impact on the tender minds of children.
Why is it harmful?
It can create fear, anxiety and aggressive behaviour in their minds.
It affects their innocence and positive thinking.
What to do?
Choose only educational and positive content for children.
Spend time with them and connect them with real-world experiences.
Encourage children to express their feelings openly.
4. Hard and Shrill Sounds (Loud Music and Noise)
Children should never listen to loud music. It is not good for the soft ears of children. Always listen to soothing music and inspiring stories.
Why is it harmful?
Loud sounds can harm the tender ears of children.
Noisy environment has a negative impact on the mental development and concentration of children.
It can also affect the quality of sleep.
What to do?
Provide a calm and relaxing environment to children.
Avoid loud music or loud noises around them.
Use calm and soothing music or stories.
5. Excess toys
Instead of giving unnecessary toys to children, engage them in some creative things which will increase their concentration power, and they will be able to focus on one thing.
Why is it harmful?
Children can get bored quickly with too many toys and they will not be able to focus on one thing.
This can limit their creativity and problem-solving ability.
What to do?
Provide limited and educational toys to children.
Give priority to creative activities, such as drawing, Legos and puzzles.
Bring children closer to nature instead of toys.
6. Chemical Products (Cleaning and Beauty Products)
The skin of children is very soft and supple, chemical products should never be used on them. Natural remedies and homemade products are the best for their skin. Hence, it is important to pay attention to them.
Why is it harmful?
Many soaps, shampoos, and other products available in the market contain harsh chemicals, which can harm the skin and hair of children. These can cause allergies or irritation.
What to do?
Choose natural and herbal products for children.
Use any new product for children only after consulting a doctor.
Use safe and natural options made at home.
7. Excessive Anger and Stress of Parents
If parents remain angry and stressed at home, it is natural that it will affect the children. You will not be able to remove children from this environment of stress and anger
Why is it harmful?
The anger or stress of parents has a deep psychological impact on children.
It can weaken their self-confidence and create fear in them.
What to do?
Behave calmly and patiently in front of children.
Give them an environment of love and support.
Spend quality time with them daily.
8. Uncontrolled Routine
Keeping children disciplined since childhood is very good for their future. They may feel bad today but, in the future, they will see its good results.
Why is it harmful?
An irregular routine can hamper the physical and mental development of children.
Not having the habits of sleeping, eating and playing on time can have a negative impact on their health.
What to do?
Make a fixed routine for children.
Strictly follow the time of eating, sleeping and playing.
Include regular exercise and outdoor activities.
9. Plastic and Toys Made of Harmful Materials
The plastic toys available in the market these days have a bad effect on the health of children, so as parents we should pay attention to this.
Why is it harmful?
Cheap and poor-quality plastic toys may contain harmful chemicals.
Swallowing small toys or their parts can cause a choking hazard.
What to do?
Choose safe and certified toys for children.
Pay special attention to the material and quality of the toys.
Remove old and broken toys from time to time.
Concluding Tips:
Children are very sensitive till the age of five. It is the responsibility of parents to guide them in the right direction. These small steps in raising children can lay the foundation for their better future. By protecting them from these harmful things, you can make their physical and mental development healthy and stable.
“Nothing is more important than your child’s smile and happiness! Take the right steps and become the basis for their better development.”
