How to Keep Up Healthy Habits Over the Holidays

Holidays can make it difficult to focus on your health. There is so much to do in preparation for the holidays that you can get lost in it. The holidays also have their special brand of indulgent foods that are only available for a limited time. With all the stress of the holidays, keeping up with healthy habits may move to the back burner. Here are some ways to get back on track as a family: 

Healthy Eating During the Holidays

The holidays are all about indulgent meals that showcase everyone’s favorite special dishes. Eating healthy during this time is all about finding balance. Make sure you have plenty of healthy food in the house to eat when you’re not at the holiday dinner table. The more whole, clean foods you can eat before and after the holiday, the less the big day will throw you off. 

When the time comes for the big meal, encourage everyone to try a little of everything. It can be easy to overeat when you start off with large scoops of a few items, then decide to try everything else. Going back for seconds is commonplace, but if everyone holds off on eating after they’re full, they’ll be much more present and able to enjoy the occasion. 

Staying Active (Even When It’s Cold Outside)

Some of the best holiday memories happen around the fireplace and at the dinner table. These moments are important, but they should be balanced with physical activity. Weather allowing, consider taking a walk outside as a family after lunch before diving into dinner prep. Involve the whole family in meal preparation and cleanup so they stay moving throughout the day. Make sure everyone in the family is getting some exercise every day, whether it’s a short walk or a trip to the gym. 

Focusing on Spiritual Wellness 

For families of faith, wellness extends beyond the physical and mental. Remember to take time during the holiday season to check in on your family’s spiritual wellness. With everyone’s busy schedules, it might help to set aside time to pray together in the mornings or evenings. Consider small acts of kindness everyone can do throughout the day to spread the love of Jesus alongside the holiday spirit. 

Questions to Ask When Setting Goals

Getting everyone in the family on board with focusing on health during the busy holiday season may be a challenge. Consider realistic goals you can set for your family. Before making major decisions about healthy habits to work on, ask yourself the following questions:

• How can you involve everyone in the goal-setting process?

• How healthy does your family eat outside of the holidays? 

• How active are your family members now?

• What is a priority, and what can fall by the wayside if need be?

By answering these questions, you’ll be able to help your family stay on track during the holidays. 

At North Tampa Christian Academy, we know how important healthy habits are for children’s overall well-being. Students at our Tampa private school thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.

5 Signs Your Child May Be Struggling with Their Mental Health

As parents, it's important to recognize when your children might need extra support emotionally, spiritually and mentally. This starts with knowing there is a problem that needs to be addressed, which can be a delicate balance. You want to do what you can to help your child without causing them to withdraw further. Here are five signs to watch for if you’re concerned about your child’s mental health.

Withdrawing from Life

People of all ages who struggle with their mental health often don’t want to bring others down with them. This could lead to choosing not to participate in life the same way they once did. If you notice your child withdrawing from friends, family or social activities, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Consider gently asking why they are not as engaged as they were in the past. They might not know why, and that’s OK—they’ll still be glad you asked, and the conversation will get them thinking. 

Sudden Mood Changes

Children can be moody sometimes, especially as they go through puberty. However, their mood shifts generally aren’t abrupt or long-lasting unless they’re struggling. Look out for sudden changes in mood, such as frequent and uncharacteristic sadness, irritability or anger. These could be signs that something has happened to cause emotional distress. Talking to your child about these changes might help them process what is going on and move through it. 

Loss of Interest

Sometimes, children simply move on from one interest to the next. However, a general loss of interest in things that brought your child joy in the past could indicate that they are struggling. Talk to your child about what they currently enjoy, and see if it’s time for a change in scenery or a deeper discussion about their mental health. 

Eating or Sleeping Difficulties

The phrase “keeping you up at night” can be quite literal for children navigating stressful situations. If you notice a major change in your child’s sleeping or eating habits, it may be time to have a talk. Sleeping too much or struggling with insomnia could be signs that your child is having trouble getting the rest they need. Eating too much or too little is also a reliable indicator of high stress. See if you can help your child get back on track to healthier, happier days. 

Calling Out for Help

Cries for help often aren’t as direct as we’d like them to be. Your child may “joke” about feeling helpless or worthless. They may talk about giving up entirely after something that seems minor to you. If this kind of negativity becomes a habit for your child, consider addressing it. Ask why they feel that way and how you can help. They might not be open to it at first, but they could come around once they know that you’ve noticed and are willing to do what you can. 
At North Tampa Christian Academy, we know that physical, mental and spiritual health are interconnected, essential parts that contribute to our overall well-being. Students at our Tampa private school thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.

Digital Safety Tips: How to Keep Children Secure Online

These days, children spend more time in digital spaces than previous generations. From an early age, they are immersed in technology. The online world offers countless opportunities for learning and entertainment, but along with benefits come serious risks. Read on to explore how adults can help maximize the opportunities of the online world while creating safer digital environments for young people.

Have Open Conversations

Protecting children online often involves rules and restrictions, which children—especially older ones—may protest unless they understand the reasons behind them. Open conversations are the first step in including your child’s perspective when creating digital boundaries that work for your family. Reassure your child that your guidance comes from care, not a lack of trust. When talking with middle and high school-aged children, use age-appropriate statistics. According to one of the recent studies, 1 in 12 children worldwide becomes a victim online. Being specific about the statistics makes your argument stronger and helps them understand the reasons behind your efforts to keep them safe.   

Set Clear Boundaries for Device Use

Designate specific areas in your home where phones and tablets are allowed. For younger children, this would mean using devices only in shared family spaces and never behind closed doors. Keep an eye on how the child navigates the internet: videos, pictures, and links. Ask what they plan to do online before each session—what apps they’ll use or what they’re hoping to explore. For teens, consider setting limits like keeping phones out of bedrooms at night. Whenever possible, model these boundaries yourself to reinforce their importance by example. 

Introduce Digital Literacy from a Young Age

Help children build healthy digital habits early. As they begin engaging in online communication—whether through games, messaging apps, or social media—teach them not to share personal information, photos, or videos, especially in public forums. Remind them that once something is posted, it can remain on the internet permanently. It is equally important to talk about body safety and personal boundaries. Teach them to say “no” to any request that feels uncomfortable, online or offline. Make it clear that no one should ever ask them for pictures of their bodies, and if this happens, they should come to a trusted adult immediately.

Use Privacy Settings and Parental Controls

Adjust privacy settings and enable parental controls on games, apps, social media platforms, and devices. These tools help filter content, manage screen time, and limit interactions with strangers, adding an extra layer of protection. You will also know what apps they are downloading. Just as important, explain to your child what settings you’re adjusting and why. When children understand that your actions are meant to keep them safe—not control them—they’re more likely to cooperate and trust you. 

The digital world offers many opportunities for inquiring minds to be creative and innovative, which are our core values at North Tampa Christian Academy. As a private school serving Tampa families, we take seriously our responsibility to guide students toward academic excellence and success while fostering safe and responsible use of technology. Contact us to learn how we help students thrive in today’s digital age.

5 Healthy Habits to Encourage This Summer

Summer is here, and school is out! Suddenly, you’re seeing a lot more of your child, and they’re adjusting to not having a structured routine. Now is the perfect time to start building better habits. With more time on their hands, your child can focus on making the most of summer break by being healthy. Here are some habits you can work on as a family this summer: 

Staying Hydrated

It’s always important to stay hydrated, but it’s even more important during the summer. Make drinking water a priority for the whole family. Emphasize the need for increased fluid intake in hot weather. If your child struggles to drink enough water, suggest fun ways to drink more, like infusing it with fruit or mixing in electrolyte powder. Make sure everyone in the family has a reusable water bottle. Your child may even enjoy decorating their water bottle with waterproof stickers to make it feel like their own

Incorporating Outdoor Activity

Another way the family can focus on their health this summer is through outdoor activity. Getting plenty of fresh air and sunlight is linked to improved moods and better sleep, which benefits both our physical and mental well-being. Exercise provides its own list of benefits for the mind and body. Make time this summer for participating in physical activity together, whether it’s taking walks in nature, swimming in the pool or running on the beach. Always wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water! 

Eating Whole, Fresh Foods

Often, we turn to processed foods because they're inexpensive and convenient. Unfortunately, it’s not the healthiest option. Look for ways to incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet this summer. Consider going to the farmer’s market to find in-season produce so you can get the freshest options. Put together or buy some fruit salads, and find new ways to cook vegetables so they will appeal to everyone (hint: try roasting them!).

Prioritizing Rest and Sleep

When school is in session, children and teens have set wake-up and wind-down times each day. Over summer break, many children lack this structure, which can affect their sleep patterns. Find a routine that works for your whole family, even if that means different wake-up times for different family members. The goal is to ensure everyone gets plenty of sleep each night, even during the exciting summer season. Talk with the family about being respectful of everyone’s schedules and letting each other sleep. Encourage looking away from screens for at least one hour before bed to support a healthy bedtime routine. 

Practicing Sun Safety

Sun safety is one of the most important health considerations to make during the summertime. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to sunburn in the short term and skin cancer in the long term. If you’re going outside during the day, especially during peak hours, here are some steps you can take to stay safe:

• Wear a hat and sunglasses

• Put on sunscreen, reapplying as needed

• Look for shady spots

At North Tampa Christian Academy, we always encourage students to practice healthy habits. Students at our Tampa private school thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.

How to Nurture Your Child’s Mental Health

Adults have a tendency to remember childhood as an easy time. However, children can struggle to cope with a world that always seems to be changing around them. They may also be influenced by outside influences, such as being bullied and the pressures of social media. You never know what your child is facing unless you talk to them. Here are some important steps you can take to nurture your child’s mental health. 

Practice Active Listening

When your child talks to you, listen. Pay attention to tone, body language and other indicators of how your child feels. Consider how they’re saying what they’re telling you. If your child tells you they’re not doing well, they’ve taken a brave step that they may have mulled over for a while. Let them know you’re there for them, and if action is required on your part, take it as soon as you can. 

Provide Sufficient Structure

Children thrive when given routines and activities that keep them engaged. Making plans with your child — and keeping them — can set you apart as a solid foundation in their ever-changing life. Being reliable may not feel like much if it comes naturally to you, but it can make all the difference in a child’s life. This is especially true when things don’t go their way.

Avoid Over Scheduling

Scheduling is good, but over scheduling can lead your child to be overwhelmed. If your child is never bored, they don’t have a lot of time for independent thought. Having time to themselves to do whatever they want is essential to having balance in life. People of all ages could benefit from setting aside a little more time for play. 

Allow for Failure

It can be hard to watch your child fail when it’s something they’ve put a lot of time and energy into. However, failing is an essential part of life. Your child needs to know how to fail and overcome their failures after feeling what they feel in the moment. Giving your child permission to fail is as important as celebrating their accomplishments. This is the only way to build resilience, which will become essential as they grow older and more independent.  

Encourage Healthy Habits

Taking care of your body is crucial if you want to have a healthy mind. Children may not make this connection. When they lose a few nights of sleep to their new favorite game, they might be perplexed about why they’re starting to feel depressed or anxious. Encourage your child to get in a few minutes of moderate physical activity a day, eat nourishing foods and get adequate sleep every night. This can extend to personal hygiene as well, especially for teenagers who often let it slip. The better your child feels physically, the better they’ll generally feel mentally. 

At North Tampa Christian Academy, we recognize the importance of mental health for students, especially as they grow and develop. Students at our Tampa private school thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.