The way you eat and exercise isn’t just about you – it’s also about your kids. So check out today’s guest post from family therapist and fitness coach, Sara Holliday of Fit By Sara. You better watch yourself, because your kids sure are!
Ever noticed when your child is upset that he or she says something in the same tone that you did when you’re angry? Ever noticed your child imitating you? Children are copycats, and we are their role models. So it’s important that we engage in positive behaviors so our children grow up as healthy, well adjusted adults.
I learned the lesson well a couple of days ago when I heard my 5 year old son, Ty telling his two year old brother, Kaden not to do something in a stern and unforgiving voice. I said to myself, “Wow, is that what I sound like when I’m upset?” Just as I tell Ty to take deep breaths before he reacts, I need to listen to my own advice and take deep breaths before reacting too! Children are copycats and good reminders too.
When clients say they’re having problems getting motivated to fit in exercise, I remind them that they are their children’s role models. I ask them, “Do you want your children to have body image issues and weight problems?” This is often a wake up call my clients need to get in gear.
Making exercise fun will encourage your children to be involved. Ty and I recently did a half hour of yoga together for the first time (unlike our usual 2 min. sessions). It was very powerful to see how much Ty loved it as did I! At the end we sat facing each other. We placed one hand on each other’s hearts and focused on the love we had for each other. When the session was over he said he felt so relaxed he actually wanted to go to bed!
Parents can encourage healthy food choices too by associating positive effects with a good choice. For example, my husband Brad tells our boys that fruit and veggies are “power foods” that will make them grow strong and tall. I always chuckle to myself when Ty exclaims, “I’m having a power grape!”
I’ve found the key to being a good role model is to be conscious of how much my behavior influences my children’s future. I know that when I get off track I’ll quickly be reminded! So as much as possible I vow to respect my children, eat healthy yet enjoy one yummy pleasure a day, exercise consistently and do yoga, and most importantly give lots and lots of love!
great post! My little one also gets so excited to do lunges and yoga! He really loves it and I want him to carry that enthusiasm for fitness his whole life.
I need to work on his love of power veggies though.
My youngest likes to do WiiFit yoga with me. It’s so cute! It works with food too, but only to a certain extent (at least around here). My oldest still won’t touch a raw veggie voluntarily. Oh well, baby steps! Nice post!
You are so right. Children mimic their hero, you. They watch you closely and can discern what is important to you.
Thanks for that information that every parent should know and use.
“Power grapes” – I love it!
It’s so easy to compartmentalize exercise from parenting from “family time” from “me time” … You’ve done a wonderful job of pointing out that a healthy, organic, holistic lifestyle simply cannot be boxed in!
I always tell hubby lead by example. Kid act as we do. Giving them a good example to live by is the greatest gift we can give our kids………it far surpasses material possessions.
my daughter loves to do weight lifting with me. i got her some very cute pink free weights (only 1 lb each) so that she could copy me and by the way…she learned to count to 15 in english and spanish in no time!!! so true that they want to be like us and we have to set a good example.