|by Dr. Christine W. Thorpe
families gather and decompress after a long day. Unfortunately the time in front of tube has exceeded four hours each day and resulted in a lack of physical activity for the entire family. With high rates of childhood obesity in this nation, each parent has a responsibility to show our child ren the benefits of fitness and movement. All it takes is a ball or a jump rope, nothing fancy, to get the family active together.
An important factor for keeping children healthy that isn't related to food and fitness is helping them to build healthy relationships. As parents we can show our children that healthy relationships are built on respect and wise trust of people in our lives. I say "wise" trust because we all need to develop and use a level of discernment about who we bring and keep in our inner circle. All relationships have appropriate boundaries that help the relationship to work and promote safe feelings. Teaching this to our children helps them to develop mutually healthy relationships.
Finally, our children see how we deal with stress in our lives. When we fall out exasperated over a stressful situation, we cannot be surprised if our children model the same behavior. I met a mom who sits on the floor with her children and they close their eyes and take deep breaths. Whenever the children feel frustrated or overwhelmed, they all stop, close their eyes and breathe to diffuse the emotions. Another mom encourages her children to say a mantra while looking at themselves in the mirror, a practice she has engaged in for years. It encourages self-awareness and helps to promote a positive outlook on life through their own eyes.
Our children can be healthy with every positive example that we model for them. Seek to be mindful each day about what is said and done, especially in their presence.
Finally, our children see how we deal with stress in our lives. When we fall out exasperated over a stressful situation, we cannot be surprised if our children model the same behavior. I met a mom who sits on the floor with her children and they close their eyes and take deep breaths. Whenever the children feel frustrated or overwhelmed, they all stop, close their eyes and breathe to diffuse the emotions. Another mom encourages her children to say a mantra while looking at themselves in the mirror, a practice she has engaged in for years. It encourages self-awareness and helps to promote a positive outlook on life through their own eyes.
Our children can be healthy with every positive example that we model for them. Seek to be mindful each day about what is said and done, especially in their presence.
Dr. Christine Thorpe is a certified wellness coach and health education specialist with 15 years’ experience in the health and human services. She is happily married with two delightful children. Get her book here!