They watch everything we do – the good stuff and the bad. They learn even when we don’t realize we’re teaching. This is why it is so important to lead by example. We need to be the people we hope our children grow up to be. I’m not saying you have to be perfect. Let them see you make mistakes, so you can show them how you take responsibility for your actions and solve problems. Show them how to be kind by helping someone in need. Make time for what matters in life by putting your family first and prioritizing activities that make your soul happy. And, make sure your children see you taking care of yourself – both mentally and physically.
We read every book available on how to take care of a child when we are expecting. We listening to all the doctors orders, make sure they’re getting plenty of rest, cut their food into bite sized pieces until they’re old enough to say, “Hey Mom, can I just have my grapes already? I’m going to be late for school.” We worry about every little thing that goes in and comes out of them because we care about their health and well being. However, if we don’t take care of ourselves, all that hard work is going straight down the drain.
They notice when we’re too tired to play with them, and they see us sneaking junk food or skipping meals. It’s all too easy to become so busy taking care of them that we forget to take care of ourselves. Take the time to cut up fresh fruits and vegetables, and prepare a meal of real, whole foods for you and your family. Then, actually sit down and relax at the table with them. I realize our crazy schedules don’t allow this for every meal, but try to do this as often as possible. Your children develop healthy eating habits by watching what you eat. I’m always surprised when my son asks for a spinach salad to go along with his dinner, and it all started with the salad he watched me eat for lunch.
Life is all about balance. At my house, we definitely eat our fair share of pizza and desserts along with eating healthy greens, whole foods, and lean proteins. The important thing is teaching our children what food really is – fuel for our body. It’s not something to obsess over or feel guilty about. Enjoy your food, especially the good for you stuff. Learn to prepare food in a healthy way you actually enjoy and let your kids help you cook. And, when you feel like dessert, have it and love it (in moderation of course). Don’t you dare ever let your child hear you say “That brownie is going to go straight to my butt”! Enjoy that brownie the way it was meant to be enjoyed! Let’s not teach our children to feel food guilt. A brownie does not make or break us. It’s all about balance.
I personally love running. I know it’s not for everyone, but for me, it makes me happy. It clears my head, renews creativity and relieves stress. And that endorphin rush after a long, hard run – best high I’ve ever felt! I don’t think a person needs to spend hours of their day working out, but it’s very important that we live an active lifestyle. It’s very difficult to keep up with kids who have an endless supply of energy if you lead a sedentary life, and chances are you don’t feel your best either. You might work a job that requires you to sit multiple hours a day. I know at the end of an editing day, I feel lethargic and pretty much terrible. It’s so tempting to just be lazy the rest of the day, but I know that will only make me feel worse. All it takes is 20 to 30 minutes a day of actual exercise. I try to workout 4 or 5 days a week. Combine that with taking stairs instead of an elevator, parking at the back of the parking lot and walking in, and walking or riding a bike everywhere you can. I’ve even been known to leave half the laundry downstairs when I could have easily carried it all up just so I could go up and down the stairs again. Am I crazy? Yes, but I’m an active crazy person and feel better because of it. Look for any opportunity you can get to move with your children. Let them see you exercising and encourage them to join in. You don’t need a gym membership or fancy workout gear to get it done. You can do Pilates and yoga in your living room with your kids. Google some poses and you’re set. Yoga with kids isn’t exactly zen, but you take what you get during the young kids phase of life. The point is, find an activity you and your family enjoy and make a commitment to being active.
When I look at my lifestyle now, I realize, this is how I grew up. I remember Mom always busy around the house, trips to the pool and lake during and summer, and playing with us in the snow during the winter. She taught us to be doers, and she learned to be active from her mom. We can talk to our kids about their health all day long, but if we don’t live the lifestyle, it might not stick. You deserve to feel your best, and your kids deserve someone who can keep up with them.
