What are the habits that help young people thrive?
June 23, 2025 Well-being
Parents
Having healthy lifestyle habits promotes better physical and mental health. Actions can be put in place from early childhood, and adolescence is the ideal time to firmly establish them towards maintaining them throughout life.
Simple actions for better health
Whether it's sleep, physical activity, diet, screen time, or sexuality, it is possible to make choices that will cultivate well-being.
Learning to manage your emotions and stress, knowing yourself well, and surrounding yourself with positive influences are allies for better mental health.
These different elements were addressed in the first season of the Navigating Together podcast, more specifically with regard to physical activity and diet.
The benefits of physical activity in adolescence
Physical activity in adolescence has many health benefits.
- Stress relief
- Improved sleep
- Better attention and concentration
- Improved mood and self-esteem
As Joey, Project Manager at Sport'aide, mentions in the episode Bouger à l’adolescence, en route vers une vie active! (in French), physical activity goes beyond the health benefits, it also allows you to develop personal skills, such as getting to know yourself. Adolescence is a significant period of change and discovery, and sport is an excellent way to explore your skills and talents, such as knowing your strengths and limits.
How can we encourage teens to be physically active?
To encourage them to be active, you first have to find activities that they enjoy, as Patricia, a mother of three teenagers, mentions in the episode of the podcast.
Sometimes new activities can become passions, as was the case for Patricia's son with climbing. She also mentions the importance of being attentive to what young people enjoy, for example, if they like to play in the park, we can encourage to go play in the park with friends, rather than just telling them to run for thirty minutes.
The pleasure of healthy eating
Having a healthy diet in adolescence means getting all the nutrients you need to have energy and grow to your potential. This allows, among other things, to fully engage in sports activities or to stay focused at school.
Healthy eating goes beyond the food we’re eating. It also includes meal preparation and planning, as well as eating together as a family.
Acting as a role model to encourage healthy eating
As is the case with the development of many habits, it is important for parents to model for young people how to adopt a healthy diet. To do this, invite your teen to help prepare meals. If they does not wish to participate in the preparation, they can only observe. It's an opportunity to show them that it can be fun to cook.
Melissa, a nutritionist at J'M Love Nutrition, mentions in the episode Adolescence et alimentation : par où commencer? (in French) that teens are generally more attracted to ultra-processed foods or fast food. She therefore invites parents not to demonize them. Ultra-processed foods do not take the place of other foods such as fruits and vegetables, but they can be added to meals on occasion.
Making informed choices
Whether through diet or physical activity, adopting healthy lifestyle habits promotes a state of physical and mental well-being. As a parent, it is possible to help your child make informed choices and the Navigating Together podcast offers many helpful tips.
Visit your favourite listening platforms or casecultive.ca to find out how to better navigate the challenges of adolescence through adopting educational practices that support your teen, their mental health, and family harmony.
References (in French)
Société canadienne de pédiatrie, L’activité physique chez les enfants et les adolescents
Guide alimentaire canadien, Une saine alimentation pour les adolescents
