You’ve likely heard the saying “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Sometimes, it can be used in a derogatory sense, like if your child makes the same mistakes as you did.
But, what if this could be a positive thing … like if you and your spouse are healthy parents that can create healthy kids by teaching them the skills and habits that lead to a healthy lifestyle? That would be beneficial, and could even change your children’s lives forever.
Let’s look at 7 simple ways you can bring about family wellness by design, and thereby create healthy kids with a bright future before them.
#1: Healthy parents choose to be positive role models.
If you want healthy kids, you must show them what that looks like, not just tell them. Lead by example and they will follow. After all, children copy what adults do. When you choose to eat healthy foods and live a healthy lifestyle, they will, too!
#2: Let your kids help plan the weekly meal menu.
Creating a list of meals for the week is a great way to stick to a budget. It’s also a good way to teach your children how to plan balanced meals. And, if anyone in your family has food sensitivities or food allergies, it’s the perfect time to talk about what foods can and can’t be on the grocery list.
#3: Do the grocery shopping together!
When your kids have helped to plan the menu, they’ll have fun finding the required ingredients in the grocery store. They can check them off the list as you go and you’ll have an opportunity to explain the differences between the options available … prices, quality, nutrition labels, and more.
#4: Teach your kids about misleading food advertising.
When your kids are old enough to understand, the grocery store is also a great place to teach them about the ploys of food marketers. For example, you can show them how toys are often used to attract kids to less healthy foods such as sugary breakfast cereals. Or, you can point out a food label that touts that particular food as a ‘great source of fiber’, yet it’s full of processed sugar.
#5: Include children in meal preparation tasks.
Now that you have the meals planned and ingredients purchased, don’t be afraid to let your children help with the actual meal preparation. It’s a great way to learn valuable life skills and real-life applications of math concepts like measuring and converting measurements. But, it also leaves your kids feeling more invested in the end result – they’ll love to eat what they’ve helped prepare!
#6: Make food prep fun and creative!
This is especially important for younger children. Fruits and vegetables can be cut into fun shapes to make a cute and creative meal or snack platter. When kids develop a healthy relationship with the food they’re eating on a daily basis, they’ll be more likely to become and stay healthy kids!
#7: Healthy parents and healthy kids make fitness a family affair.
Nutrition is a big part of family wellness, but so is fitness. Healthy parents will create healthy kids when they teach them how to stay active and make fitness a part of their everyday lifestyle.
Healthy parents … healthy kids … healthy FAMILY!
At Designed Family Wellness, our mission is to help you, your children, and your entire family find freedom through healthy living. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how we can help you achieve optimal wellness and change the trajectory of your family’s health forever!
