I think we have become a bit more aware of health lately. My eldest had been feeling quite nauseous each morning, this had gone on for many months. We had all kinds of tests at the doctors to find a solution. It made us focus on dietary requirements, exercise and making sure everyone was getting enough sleep. Basically, we tried to tick anything and everything off to get to the root cause.

Acid reflux was discussed as a possibility. Apparently, a sedentary lifestyle is impacting our children and what was once considered an older person’s health problem is now affecting the younger generations. We then started a food diary for him but now that seems to indicate we might be dealing with lactose intolerance. It’s so difficult seeing your child feeling poorly.

I guess it’s more important than ever before to be a healthy role model for our children. Children pick up habits from us, so we need to be aware what we do will shape them going forward.

Give Them The Tools

Lots of sites have health sections with useful tools, such as a body fat calculator. But probably the best way to gauge health is noting how you feel each day. For example, are you becoming more energetic as your health improves. Make sure you regularly talk about both physical and mental health with your children, so they keep you informed of how they are feeling.

Structured Times For Eating

Structured mealtimes are important so you can keep your energy levels stable throughout the day. The aim is to have a consistent blood sugar level, which will help prevent long term health issues in the future. If your blood sugar levels keep rising and crashing it can impact your mood and put you at risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Healthy Food

Make sure you stock up your kitchen with healthy food. We have a sweet tooth so tend to have too many treats in the house. The boys have copied us in that respect. But I am becoming much more aware of this with my son’s dietary requirements. Plus, there are easy swaps you can do, like switching from white bread to wholemeal. Even the smallest of changes are steps in the right direction!

Smoking or Vaping

If you smoke your children are four times more likely to become smokers. I think that’s one of the most compelling reasons for quitting. Surely you don’t want your bad habits to be passed on to your children. Our kids have a habit of mimicking what we do, and that statistic reinforces that.

The secondary school regularly send out emails about the concerning number of children now vaping. So make sure you also have a conversation with your child about the dangers of vaping and the damage it can do to their lungs and heart. It might also be worth asking schools to add a vape detector on site just as an added deterrent. What is really scary is that even primary school children are vaping now.

Cook Together

Studies show that children who help prepare food are more likely to eat it. From an early age teach your children how to make healthy meals. Those early influences of food will help put them on the right path as they get older. According to the NHS a healthy diet should contain two portions of fish a week. Children are not always keen on seafood and fish, so why not come up with some tasty recipes together to encourage them.

Exercise

Active parents are more likely to have active children. This has been proven by Oliver, Schofield & Schluter, 2010 whereby children with two active parents are 5.8 times more likely to be active than children with two inactive parents. It’s back to the fact our children mimic what we do.

In this respect I think my husband and I definitely need to make some improvements. I dash around doing housework but have no set exercise classes I attend anymore. We do walk the dog, but if the boys can get out of joining us, they will try anything possible to lounge around on the sofa instead. My neighbours are very active as a family, the children mountain bike for hours. The parents have done an incredible job of being a healthy role model to their children.

Sleep

This can be a battle as your children get older. But getting enough sleep is crucial without it children can be more anxious and depressed. Part of being a healthy role model for your children is establishing a consistent bedtime routine and making sure you they have an environment conducive of sleep.

Ensure their bedrooms don’t have electronic devices in them, they should be a peaceful and restful space for your child. Avoid eating two to three hours before they go to sleep.

In Conclusion

We play a big part in shaping our families futures. Look at ways you can be that healthy role model your children need so your children will thrive.