I read an article recently that indicated that American children are the fattest children in the world. Are Americans that lazy? Is it the convenience of fast food that makes our children fat because we live in a high paced society that involves less time and energy to accomplish our goals?
How could we change this statistic? We could be role models to our children.
The alarming rate of type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea among children is astonishing. It is approximately 32% (Odgden, Carroll and Flegal, 2008).
HealthNews.com had some great suggestions on how to regiment your life and your children's lives in order to sustain a healthier lifestyle.
1.Speak positively about your own exercise regimen around your kids. Your words and sentiments are powerful. Statements like, “I’m dreading my workout today” are just as influential as ones like “I can’t wait to break a sweat today.” Choose the right one.
2.Be knowledgeable about the latest studies on health and fitness, and impress your kids with the facts. They may roll their eyes and act disinterested, but they will see that you find the subject important enough to spend time learning about it.
3.Practice what you preach. Actually, don’t preach. When your child sees you make exercise part of your daily life, it does more to influence them than any preaching could ever do.
4.Set a fitness goal (to run a 5K, to lose 10 pounds, to kayak the length of your town’s lake, etc.) Tell your kids about your goal, and let them share in your joy when you accomplish it.
5.Flex your muscles- literally. Be confident about your body and it’s abilities around your kids.
6.Give your kids the opportunity to witness you enjoying exercise- whether it’s exercise done with friends, your spouse, or on your own.
Children certainly follow role models and this could change the statistics. Do you have an obese child and tried to change your own habits to reward theirs?