Raising healthy kids starts with the everyday choices we make together. This explores simple ways caregivers can support children’s overall well-being, from balanced meals and active play to emotional connection and good sleep routines. It highlights the importance of setting healthy habits early and offers practical tips and resources for busy families to make wellness fun, consistent, and sustainable.
Healthy Living
Looking for fun ways to keep your keiki engaged?
Check out ‘Eha Ko‘u ‘Ōpū! – a story about a kaikamahine and her mom on a quest to find out what’s causing the little one’s sore tummy after a fun, food-filled day. Was it the poi? The ‘uala? Or maybe the lū‘au? You’ll smile and laugh as you discover the real reason behind her ‘ōpū ache. Click the link below to listen to the story read by Tūtū and Me kumu.
For more digital stories that promote language and literacy, strengthen listening skills, and encourage beginning writing, read by Tūtū and Me kumu.
Ko’u Wāwae (My Wāwae) by Liana Laea Honda – https://www.canva.com/design/DAGukQka-Fc/ssP-eqgpPmq89kVBpWbwtw/edit
The Thankful Book by Todd Parr – https://www.canva.com/design/DAFxALmiiCg/bdOqZpHwbR4yawKs54ds-A/view?utm_content=DAFxALmiiCg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=recording_view
Let’s Play
Infant
Teach your infant about emotions with a mirror. Make different facial expressions in front of a mirror and encourage them to mimic you. Playful moments like this help infants begin to recognize that facial expressions communicate emotions and contribute to olakino maikaʻi.
Toddler
Try simple yoga poses with your toddler, such as the tree pose for balance and the cat pose for flexibility. Yoga helps to reset and relax. Staying active promotes improved concentration and encourages olakino maikaʻi.
Preschooler
Teach your preschooler the game “Kakā, Kakā, Nēnē – Duck, Duck, Goose” to play with ʻohana or neighborhood keiki. Be flexible with rules and focus on enjoying active time together. Playing games and having fun contribute to olakino
Managing Big Feelings
Kalia helps Jack with Big Feelings (age 3)
Before: Jack would melt down when it was time to stop playing or when things didn’t go his way. Transitions were tough. He’d fuss, throw toys, or refuse to move. His mother, Kalia, felt overwhelmed and embarrassed.
What Helped Kalia and Jack
- Kalia modeled self-regulation by saying out loud, “Iʻm feeling frustrated, so Iʻm going to take a deep breath.”
- Kalia and Jack used cute picture books and feeling charts to talk about emotions such as mad, sad, and happy.
- Jack learned belly breathing, squeezed playdough, or listened to a soft playlist to calm down. Kalia also noticed pressure hugs helped when he was upset.
- When Jack used his words instead of fussing, Kalia made sure to say, “I saw how calm you stayed. Awesome.”
Now: With small shifts at home and lots of practice, Jack is learning to breathe deeply, use feeling words, and calm himself with music or his cozy blanket.
For a deeper dive, click this link: https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/toddlers-and-self-control-a-survival-guide-for-parents/
Resources and materials
- Weighted Stuff Animals
- Gentle, deep pressure from a weight-stuffed animal can help keiki feel calm and relaxed.
- Musical Instruments
- Rhythmic beats are beneficial in supporting self-regulation skills by helping keiki express emotions and relieve stress.
- TED Talk
- Clinical psychologist and renowned parenting expert Becky Kennedy shares practical advice to help parents navigate their challenging moments.
As you wrap up, remind the keiki that taking care of their health isn’t just about what they eat; it’s also about how they manage their feelings. At the same time, learning to recognize and manage big emotions helps them understand themselves better and respond in positive ways. By combining healthy living with emotional awareness, keiki can grow up feeling confident, resilient, and ready to face whatever comes their way.