Parents can be a major influence on their kids’ habits and health. And what better way to get into shape than to have your kids join you in your fitness journey?
Kids are often full of energy and always active, so why not channel that into becoming a healthier family?
Exercising and being physically active as a family is not only great for your physical health but it’s also proven to be beneficial for your mental well-being.
Not only will you all become closer as a result, but you’ll also set a good example for healthy habits that will last long into adulthood.
In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to get started, but first …
Health Is … Culture!
People often think of health as a diet or a regimen, something that can be followed for a set period of time and then abandoned.
However, health is actually a culture that is cultivated and passed on to future generations.
It is something that is passed down from parent to child, from one generation to the next.
Just as our ancestors passed down their traditions and customs, so too do we pass down our health culture.
This culture includes the food we eat, the way we move, and the way we care for our bodies.
It is a living, breathing thing that evolves over time.
And just like any other culture, it must be nurtured and maintained in order to thrive, and the best way to do so is to start them young! Preventing bad habits by building better ones in the first place, is the best way to go about the health of your kids and the future generations.
Let’s have a look at how you can get started!
To Start With… Frequent Walks!
It's no secret that kids these days are more focused on their screens than ever before.
But there's one activity that can tear them away from their digital devices and get them moving: walking.
Walking is a great form of exercise for the whole family, and it's something that you can do together on a regular basis.
Not only will you get some much-needed fresh air and quality time with your kids, but you'll also be setting a good example for them when it comes to staying active.
And who knows? Once they see how much fun you're having on your walks (especially if they’re in nature), they might even be inspired to just start moving more.
So put down the screens and lace up your sneakers—it's time to go for a walk (or a hike!)
Guide Them Through Grocery Shopping
Food shopping with kids can be a pain, but it may be the best way to instill healthy habits in them.
By guiding them through the grocery store, you can teach them about what kinds of food are good for the body and why.
In addition, you can take advantage of the opportunity to teach them about budgeting, too!
By taking the time to do this, you can set your kids up for a lifetime of healthy eating and mindful spending.
So listen up, there is no need to walk down the aisle until your kid asks you for that bag of cheese puffs.
Keep them engaged during your trip to the grocery store!
Teach Them How To Cook
No one can deny that cooking is a skill. It's a life skill and one that is incredibly useful no matter where your life takes you.
And while some people are born naturals in the kitchen, for the rest of us it's something that has to be learned.
So why not learn it with your kids? Not only is it a great way to bond, but it's also an opportunity to teach them about healthy eating habits.
After all, cooking is one of the best ways to control what goes into your body. By teaching your kids how to cook, you're setting them up for a lifetime of good health.
Start them young!
Educate Them On Sleep
Most people know that getting enough sleep is important for their health, but many don't realize the importance of teaching their children about sleep.
Just like with nutrition and exercise, educating your kids on how much sleep they need and why it's important can help them develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
Sleep is crucial for physical and mental development in children, and it's also been linked to better academic performance and behavior.
Although you can't force your kids to go to bed at a certain time, by talking to them about the importance of sleep and helping them develop a bedtime routine, you can set them up for success.
Next time you're tucking your little one into bed, take a few extra minutes to talk to them about the importance of getting a good night's sleep.
It might just make all the difference in their health and well-being.
Progress To Tougher Workouts (Together!)
Once you have a solid foundation of an active lifestyle, and well-developed sleeping and eating habits, it’s time to get to the core of your family workouts.
That is… Progressing to more challenging training sessions!
If you’ve started with walks, jogs, and hikes, and your kids have been doing it for some time until their early teens, perhaps it’s time to get started on some bodyweight exercises, or even weight training sessions!
Doing this, will bring about a shared feeling of progress and success, enhancing your family bond and ultimately, cultivating the healthy habits we’ve talked about thus far!
Final Thoughts
It is important to get our children involved in healthy habits at an early age so that they may carry these habits with them into adulthood.
What are some of the ways you have gotten your children involved in becoming healthier? Let us know in the comments below!