Grandparents have said it time and again — this generation's children aren't made of the same stuff that they were.

Young people tend to fall sick more often, suffer from low motivation and lack of focus, and exhibit behavioral problems.

And there's a reason for it.

Our lifestyles have significantly transformed in the last decade or so, and faster-paced routines have taken a toll on our physical, emotional and mental health.

Here are some of the ways older generations lived life better and how small changes in our life can help us reap the same benefits.

1) A big breakfast

Gone are the days when breakfast meant the family converges in the kitchen for a big hearty meal.

The first meal of the day is the most important, particularly for children; those who are well-fed in the morning are healthier, smarter and better behaved. However, today's grab-and-go culture means that children (and their parents) don't have the time or patience for a sit-down meal.

In this case, it's advisable to choose foods that require little preparation such as milk, yogurt, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, or fruit. This is better than no breakfast at all.

2) Healthy snacks

In this age of convenience, children are more likely to reach for store-bought snacks than wait for someone to fix them a mini-meal. As a result, they are deprived of healthy levels of vitamins and minerals, and instead introduce excessive sugar in their daily diet.

Not only is this an invitation for obesity, but also a cause for a weakened immune system, tooth decay, low concentration, among other issues. Sliced fruit, milk shakes or smoothies are all easy substitutes for the standard crisps and candies.

3) Exercise

It's rare to see children without a screen in their vicinity, and even rarer to find children playing outside. This lack of physical activity is one of the leading causes of childhood obesity, and a host of phsyical health issues, including weakened muscles and bones.

To counteract this unhealthy behaviour, it's essential to not only set out a slot for physical activity in children's schedule, but also provide them with an energy boost like a glass of milk so they can make most of that time.

4) Reading habits

Bed-time reading with milk and cookies is a great bonding experience for parents and children. Reading for pleasure improves not just literacy, but also maths skills, so it goes without saying that books play a big role in academic performance.

All the more reason to encourage children put down the tablet and pick up a book before calling it a night.

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