You Are What You Eat

Heed the wisdom of this adage and provide your child with a well-balanced diet that will help them to grow a strong, healthy body. Kids need a diet based on a wide variety of foods, with plenty of fruit, vegetables and starchy foods, according to WebMD. Encourage them to drink plenty of water, and keep junk food to a minimum, as it has no nutritional benefit and can be detrimental to weight and skin condition. A good diet will help keep skin, hair, nails and teeth in top condition.

Emphasize Fitness

Regular exercise develops strong, fit bodies and will help kids maintain a healthy weight. Increasing amounts of time spent in front of televisions and computers has contributed to weight gain and sluggish systems, WebMD reports. Make fitness fun and find activities that you can enjoy together. Encourage children to go for walks and bike rides, swim, rollerblade or just put on some music and dance.

Sweet Dreams

Dark circles and puffy eyes are nature's way of telling us we need more sleep and -- kids need the most of all. School-age children and preteens should ideally be getting 10 to 12 hours sleep a night, according to KidsHealth. Help by setting a bedtime you can stick to, and allow kids at least half an hour to relax and unwind before settling down for the night. Routines like bath time and reading help, even for older kids.

Well-Scrubbed

Kids are fortunate to have soft, clear skin. Help keep it that way by establishing a daily bathing routine, using only mild products such as baby soap and lotion. Nails should be kept clean and shaped, and teeth should be brushed at least twice a day. Use an egg timer to encourage kids to brush for longer. Regular dental checks are a must.

Hair Care

Kids' hair is often very fine and tangles easily, so keep it trimmed in short or easy-to-manage styles. Tie up long hair in braids or plaits, but avoid using rubber bands that can damage hair. Use a mild shampoo and brush hair regularly. A wide-tooth comb and leave-in detangler make it easier to deal with tangled hair. Check regularly for head lice, and treat it promptly to avoid sharing the problem.