I don't always think about this along the journey but there have been times lately that my kids say or do something that reminds me that changing my life is helping to put them on a better path. Here are some examples.
Water: My kids are more likely to grab a water bottle when thirsty than before. They know they are only allowed 1 juice a day so they don't even ask. But they don't complain about the water. They see me carrying around my big cup of water all the time. They even will experiment putting lemon juice or lime juice in their water.
Serving Sizes. We talk a lot about serving sizes here. Enough so that when the kids come home from school they look in the snack cupboard and ask "How many cookies is a serving?" and then take that many and are satisfied. They are also learning that sometimes you get a lot more if you choose a lower calorie snack. Hmmm.. a big bowl of grapes or 2 cookies.....
What food does - My kids can tell you whether different foods are carbs, proteins and what they do for your body. (sometimes). I really like that they know why we can't eat a whole package of cookies...and why eggs are good for them.
Exercise: I am proud that I am teaching my children a daily habit of movement. Now, my dad played team sports (for the local bar) while I was growing up, but he didn't take care of his body outside of that. I am thrilled to be able to teach my children all the pieces that go together to make up a healthy body and mind.
That is awesome! I love teaching my son healthy habits and seeing him enjoy them! I want to break the obesity cycle!
ReplyDeleteThat is so important, and it makes me really happy to hear! I wish my parents had done that for me!
ReplyDeleteYou should be so proud of this post. I wish I would have had that knowledge at a young age!
ReplyDeleteIt's a fine line between teaching children good lifestyle habits and putting them up for constant struggle to "be good". I think you are doing a good job.
ReplyDeleteIt's so true. Teaching by example is the most consistent teacher of children!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds awesome Jodie! What a great example you are setting for your kids.. I really wish my parents would have taught me about serving sizes (and how it's not really beneficial to eat a whole package of cookies.. like I did ALL the time!)... It sounds like you're positively reinforcing what you've learned throughout your journey, instead of giving them a complex. I hate to say it but my sister/bro in law do that to my niece often (she's only 3 too).. I just don't want it to have a negative affect on her one day (i.e. suffering from anorexia/bulimia).
ReplyDeleteTrue story: when my sis was pregnant with my niece she told me that she didn't want her children to turn out like me! I wouldn't want my children or her kids to suffer with an eating complex, but man... DAGGER!
Those are great lessons for your kids, and learning them so young will be beneficial in the future.
ReplyDeleteHilary...I can't believe your sister would say that to you. wow. There are some things that should be left unsaid...*shaking head*
Thank you Leah!
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