{"id":5063,"date":"2025-03-03T16:24:17","date_gmt":"2025-03-03T08:24:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elfapreschools.com\/singapore\/?p=5063"},"modified":"2025-05-19T10:30:43","modified_gmt":"2025-05-19T02:30:43","slug":"what-makes-a-happy-and-healthy-life-for-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elfapreschools.com\/singapore\/what-makes-a-happy-and-healthy-life-for-children\/","title":{"rendered":"What Makes a Happy and Healthy Life for Children?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Raising children who are both happy and healthy is one of the most rewarding goals a parent or educator can strive for. In today\u2019s fast-paced world, balancing healthy lifestyle habits like good nutrition, regular activity, and emotional wellbeing can sometimes be overwhelming (Mayo Clinic, 2021). Yet, these small, consistent efforts are the building blocks of thriving childhood and the foundation for a brighter future.<\/p>\n

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of Education (MOE) recently announced initiatives to help children adopt healthier lifestyles through personalised health plans (The Straits Times, 2023). These efforts highlight the importance of creating environments where children can flourish physically, mentally, and socially. At ELFA, we share this commitment by integrating structured programmes that encourage children to make healthy choices in every aspect of their lives.<\/p>\n

In this article, we focus on three key areas\u2014physical activity, strong bone development, <\/strong>and wholesome eating<\/strong>. We can help to improve children\u2019s overall well-being and help them recognise their self-worth to boost their positivity and self-confidence for a happier life.<\/p>\n

1. Keep Your Child Active<\/strong><\/p>\n

Why Activity Matters<\/strong><\/p>\n

Physical activity is one of the most important contributors to a child\u2019s health and happiness. It supports gross motor skills development\u2014such as running, jumping, climbing and balancing\u2014and enhances fine motor skills, like hand\u2013eye coordination. When children engage in varied movements, they sharpen their spatial awareness, build stamina, and strengthen cardiovascular health (NHS, 2023). According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2020), children who remain active often have better concentration, an improved mood, and lower anxiety levels.<\/p>\n

Types of Activities to Encourage<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Structured Play<\/strong>
    \nOrganised sports, dance classes, or gymnastics sessions fall under structured play. Here, children learn new skills under guided supervision, gaining lessons in teamwork, discipline, and perseverance (American Academy of Paediatrics [AAP], 2018).<\/li>\n
  • Creative Routines<\/strong>
    \nScheduling quick \u201cmovement breaks\u201d during the day can let children stretch, dance, or jump before returning to quieter tasks. Five minutes of dancing between homework assignments or a short round of jumping jacks before a meal can do wonders for their concentration in the next 30 minutes.<\/li>\n
  • Outdoor Exploration<\/strong>
    \nWalks, hikes, or nature scavenger hunts keep children active while connecting them with their environment. Not only do these activities help build up their muscle strengths, it also sparks their enquiring minds to discover the environment. It helps them develop observational skills and learn about local plants and wildlife (WHO, 2020).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>
    \"\"

    Outdoor play helps children develop essential social and emotional skills like cooperation, patience, and teamwork<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>

    ELFA\u2019s Approach<\/strong>
    \nELFA adopts a holistic approach to promoting physical engagement through two key programmes that blend active play with curiosity-driven exploration. Our focus is on body awareness, spatial perception, and coordinated movement, complemented by cardio-wellness lessons that teach children how to monitor their heart health and understand the importance of a healthy diet\u2014all to build self-confidence from a young age.<\/p>\n

    Meanwhile, our optional Holiday Programme takes learning beyond the classroom through immersive outings, where children acquire additional skills such as inline skating and Taekwondo. These experiences emphasise the joy of active play, further enriching their overall well-being.<\/p>\n<\/div>

    \"\"

    Children from ELFA Preschools practising their Taekwondo kicks (left) and engaging in gymnastics lessons (right) during the June Holiday programme<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>

    2. Building Strong Bones: The Core to a Healthy Body<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Why Bone Health Matters<\/strong><\/p>\n

    A child\u2019s early years are crucial for bone development (AAP, 2018). Strong bones help children remain active without undue fatigue or risk of injury. By laying this groundwork now, you can reduce the likelihood of fractures and even lower the risk of conditions such as osteoporosis in later life.<\/p>\n

    Weight-Bearing and Impact Activities<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Weight-bearing activities are essential for bone strength. Examples include:<\/p>\n