Lead By Example: Keeping On Top Of Your Health For Your Kids
It’s no secret that having kids is one of the best things you’ll ever do; however, if you’re a busy parent, you’ll also understand the challenges that come with the most important job in the world. And, there’s no escaping the fact that those lovely humans you helped to create, can be absolutely exhausting at times, and will forever keep you on your toes. Obviously, they’re totally worth it, and you wouldn’t change them for the world, it’s just that, well, you’re often tired. Therefore, it’s crucial to a happy life to ensure that you’re looking after yourself as best you can. Finding a healthy, balanced lifestyle, that works for you and your family, is key to more laughter, activities, memory-making, and ensuring that each bit of parenthood is doable, not necessarily easy, but doable.
It’s also worth bearing in mind how your little ones are like walking sponges; they soak-up what you do and say, and will often learn by the examples you set (less terrifying than it sounds). Therefore, all those positive choices and changes you make to your life, will undoubtedly have an impact on how your kids grow-up, develop, and the habits they get-in. So, surely it’s worth making an effort with your health and wellbeing, knowing that it will contribute to theirs? Don’t worry, it’s not as daunting as it sounds, and everyone finds themselves in a health-slump from time-to-time. There are a plethora of small and big changes, improvements, and things you can do, which will positively affect your life, and lead to better health and happiness. The following are some ideas, inspiration, and advice, for parents who are ready to improve things regarding their health, and want to teach their kids to do the same.
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Stop Ignoring Those Little Issues
All too often, smaller health and wellbeing issues or worries, can be pushed to one side. Parents can often find themselves using being busy as an excuse not to visit a healthcare professional to sort things out. Everything from a persistent cough, to occasional blurred vision, can be ignored for far too long. The only thing you’re doing by ignoring these issues, is negatively impacting your health, as these issues will often deteriorate and cause further issues. You’ll also be showing your kids that it’s okay to do exactly the same. Therefore, it’s worth treating your health the same as you would with your little ones, and getting it seen to as soon as possible. Book that appointment with your doctor, optician, dentist, or physio; not only will you feel like a weight has been lifted; you’ll be able to receive the correct care and treatment so that you can eliminate these problems. This will undoubtedly help you gain more pep in your step, and parenting and fun with your kids, will come that little bit easier.
If you’ve been meaning to speak to a healthcare professional for a while, sort out some medication or treatment for ages, or have been considering trying something or somewhere new in regards to your wellbeing; now is the time. Set an example by being consistent with your appointments, topping-up your treatments, and ensuring you’ve got the best you can find out there. Whether you want to try a company like Bausch + Lomb so that you can switch from glasses to contact lenses more often, or you’ve been going on about acupuncture for your painful shoulder; take charge and get on with it. Simple acts of positive change, and following through with actions will help to ensure that your kids learn when to be assertive, and better their lives in all those small ways. Those little things always have a ripple effect, and will lead to a big, positive difference to you and the rest of your family.
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Teach At Every Moment
Obviously, big positive changes to your lifestyle will teach your kids what a great idea something is. However, it’s often those everyday, almost mundane, moments during daily family life, where they learn the most, without even realising. As previously mentioned, they really are little sponges, and they’ll soak up all those words and actions that they’re surrounded by the most. Therefore, it’s worth looking at each part of family life and ensuring that it’s contributing to your kids current and future physical and mental health and wellbeing. Simple things, like cooking with your kids regularly, can make a big difference to how they view food. Cooking from scratch weekly, or even more, will allow you to use fresh and healthy ingredients so that you can ultimately enjoy a nourishing and delicious meal together. Sitting down at the table together will also allow you all to catch-up and discuss how everyone’s feeling. So much of your inner health is reliant on what you fuel it with, so, make sure you’re putting plenty of good stuff in there regularly and it will become second nature for your kids to do the same.
The same goes for exercise; you can incorporate fitness changes into the routine without anyone batting an eyelid. Choosing to walk places is the ideal way to start, so, on those good weather days; leave early and walk all or some of the way to school, work, the supermarket, or to visit loved-ones. You’ll save fuel and transport costs, and you’ll gain plenty of fresh air, vitamin D, and boost those fitness levels. Choose a day out at the park over a trip to the cinema, or, even places like the waterpark will ensure that you’re all exercising without even realising because you’re having so much fun. Check out Parents.com for some more ideas on incorporating extra fitness into your family life. Ensure these changes and activities become the norm for both you and you little ones so that you’re all healthy and fit, before you’ve even considered taking up a sport or joining a team (which are also excellent ways to boost health and confidence in kids).
There’s also no need to totally give-up relaxing or sweet stuff; treats and rest are also important for a happy lifestyle. However, it’s worth putting an effort into striking a good balance, and understanding when a treat is due, rather than relying on them to create a happy atmosphere at home. You’re doing great, and, you’ve got this!