Family Wellness: Practical Ways to Keep Kids Healthy Year-Round
- Wickersham Group
- Dec 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 9
Keeping kids healthy is a team effort and small daily habits make a big difference. Whether your child is in school, at daycare, or home with family, there are simple ways to support their health, boost their immunity, and build strong lifelong routines.
At STRIDE Community Health Center, we’re committed to helping families feel informed, supported, and confident about their children’s health. Here are practical tips to help kids stay well throughout the year.
Build Strong Daily Routines
Children thrive on routine. Consistent daily habits support both physical health and emotional well-being.
Try:
Regular bedtimes
Consistent wake-up times
Predictable meal and snack schedules
Set times for homework, reading, and play
These routines help kids feel secure and reduce stress for the whole family.
Support Healthy Eating (Without Stress)
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with simple, balanced meals:
Fruits and veggies at every meal
Lean proteins like beans, eggs, chicken, or tofu
Whole grains such as oats, brown rice, or whole-wheat bread
Plenty of water throughout the day
Kids model what they see so sharing healthy food as a family helps build lifelong habits.
Help Kids Get Active Every Day
Kids need daily movement to support growth, learning, and mood.
Try:
Outdoor play
Family walks
Bike or scooter rides
Dancing inside on cold days
Stretching or kid-friendly exercise videos
Aim for at least 60 minutes of movement each day in fun, approachable ways.
Protect Their Sleep
Sleep is essential for learning, mood regulation, and immune health.
Most children need:
Toddlers: 11–14 hours
School-age kids: 9–12 hours
Teens: 8–10 hours
Keep screens out of the bedroom when possible and create a calming bedtime routine.
Practice Good Hygiene Habits
Help kids learn:
Handwashing before eating and after playing
Coughing or sneezing into their elbow
Keeping hands away from their mouth, eyes, and nose
Using tissues and throwing them away
Little habits can prevent big illnesses.
Stay Up to Date on Vaccines & Well-Child Visits
Vaccines protect children and communities from preventable diseases.Well-child visits help providers track growth, behavior, and development.
At STRIDE, pediatric care includes:
Routine checkups
Vaccines
Developmental screenings
Vision and hearing tests
Behavioral health support
Sports physicals
Chronic condition management
Consistent care ensures kids stay healthy and parents stay informed.
Support Emotional Well-Being
Kids feel stress too. Talk openly with them about feelings, school, and friendships.
Helpful practices include:
Asking open-ended questions
Creating time to talk without distractions
Encouraging expression through play, art, or writing
Modeling calm, healthy coping strategies
If your child seems overwhelmed, STRIDE’s integrated Behavioral Health team can help.
When to Call Your Provider
Reach out if your child has:
Ongoing fevers
Trouble sleeping
Behavior changes
Concerns about diet or weight
Frequent stomachaches or headaches
Learning or developmental concerns
Mental health struggles
Trust your instincts and never hesitate to ask questions.
STRIDE Supports You and Your Family at Every Step
From newborn visits to teen wellness, STRIDE offers comprehensive care that supports your child’s health and your family’s peace of mind.
We’re here to help with:
Pediatric check-ups
Vaccines
Nutrition support
Behavioral health care
School and sports forms
Chronic condition management
Parenting guidance
Family resources and referrals
Healthy families grow stronger together.
Ready to Support Your Child’s Wellness?
Start today with small steps and know STRIDE is here whenever you need us.
Schedule a pediatric visit
Find a STRIDE location
Explore Pediatrics services
Request Behavioral Health support
Your child’s health is our priority, year-round.
