Raise kids, eat right, spend smart, live well
- Melinda Hill, OSU Extension Wayne County
- April 7, 2022
- 1036
"Living Well" is the national marketing campaign for extension family and consumer sciences, and it’s what FCS extension educators all across the nation teach on a daily basis. We share information, education and options that help address challenging issues in life.
When people ask me what I do as a family and consumer science educator, my quick response is I teach life skills. Those skills are needed to accomplish tasks at all phases of life, like getting along in a family, choosing and preparing food for meals, balancing our budgets, or saving for future goals. The National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences chose this theme several years ago to help promote the role of extension educators.
Raising kids isn’t child’s play, eating right can be a tall order and spending smart takes dollars and sense, but we can help you do all of these things so you and your family may be "Living Well," today and in the future.
For many, living well means finding a good balance — a balance of both discipline and love to help families thrive, a balance of healthy foods to maintain strong bodies, and a balance of income and spending so money is there when needed. Finding a balance can be stressful, especially if you are trying to balance everything all at once. It takes time, and there seems to be less and less time in the day as we seek to balance work and family.
What are some simple things I can do? Here are a few tips to get you started. Choose one to practice into a daily routine, then choose another:
Raising kids
—Have a daily routine for you and your family. It helps to give structure and security. Mealtime and bedtime might be a good place to start.
—Eat together as a family. Even if it’s short and simple, that time is important for everyone to talk and keep up to date with the daily happenings.
—Have some time in the week designated as family time. It can be taking a walk or cleaning the barn. It can be helping with the meal or playing a board game. Whatever it is, involve everyone and make it fun.
—Engage children in at least 60 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Adults need at least 30 minutes of physical activity. Play sports or recreational games, turn on some music and dance, hula hoop, or make an obstacle course. Take a walk or a bike ride in your neighborhood. All movement counts.
Eating right
—Try one new food a week. Let children help you with the shopping, in the kitchen with the meal preparation and with the clean-up.
—Start planning a garden now to work in the spring and summer. Gardening is great physical activity. This activity also could nurture your mental and environmental wellness.
—Rethink your drink. The average adult human body is approximately 60% water. Water regulates every living cell’s process and chemical reactions. It transports nutrients and oxygen. Water also helps to maintain normal bowel habits and prevent constipation. Reduce the amount of soda and fruit drinks consumed daily.
—Make half your plate, your grocery cart and your cupboard or refrigerator fruits and vegetables. These can be fresh, frozen or canned. Spring is coming. Might you think about planting a small garden?
Spending smart
—Keep your family finances in check. Track your expenses and update your budget regularly. Eat at home often because meals outside of home usually cost more. Plan your menus and use coupons as a planning tool. Creating and sticking to a budget, along with paying off debt, are great first steps to financial wellness.
—Keep track of everything you spend for one or two weeks to see where the spending leaks are in your budget.
—Build your emergency fund so you have a safety net for times when unexpected expenses arise.
Building a strong family is an investment in your future, one day at a time, and that’s "Living Well."
Melinda Hill is an OSU Extension family and consumer sciences educator and may be reached at 330-264-8722 or hill.14@osu.edu.