It’s Time To Break The Cycle: Teaching Healthy Habits to Kids

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By: Kathy Klassen 

As parents we try to set a good example for our kids. We know how they emulate and try to follow exactly what we do, right? At least while they’re little.

We know how important it is to teach them to treat others with respect, how to use manners, how to brush their teeth and why they need to have regular baths.

These days, it seems that many parents often ‘forget’ to teach healthy habits to their kids by eating properly, right? I mean we ‘know’ that it’s important, and one day when we have more time we’ll teach them. By teaching, we know we have to show them because they only do as we do, not as we say (clear throat). That means we have to change our whole lifestyle. One day, soon!

So you look at your daughter, while sitting in the drive through, waiting for your burger with fries and her kids meal and you think….hmmm, she’s only 2, this isn’t really going to affect her…yet.

Father and daughter eat burgers

I still have LOTS of time to change things around. The toddler years are sooo busy and with baby on the way, there’s just no way I can fully commit to a healthier lifestyle right now. I wouldn’t really know where to start anyways. Plus, her kids meal comes with juice (not pop) AND a yogurt for dessert…that counts for something, right?

When will life slow down?

Fast forward…your daughter is 5, your son is now 3 and baby is 1. When is life going to slow down? You’ve noticed how low energy your daughter is, even in the middle of the summer, she’ll go out to play for a bit and then wants to come in and have a snack and watch a show. She has access to the cupboard and chooses either chips or cookies; she’ll finish your leftover can of coke as well. It’s only about ¼ full anyways. Last week when she went for a routine checkup, the doctor noted that she was above the suggested weight…about 10% above. That’s nothing to worry about though, right? She just takes after your side of the family who are all a bit on the ‘heavier’ side anyways.

It’s time. Teaching healthy habits to your kids has never been more important.

The Canadian Obesity Network reports “One in four adult Canadians and one in 10 children are clinically obese, meaning six million Canadians living with obesity require immediate support in managing and controlling their excess weight. As a leading cause of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, arthritis and cancer, the condition impacts those who have obesity, their families, employers, neighbours, health practitioners and governments.”

That’s crazy. Listen, this cycle will NOT be broken until YOU decide it has to end. Life is busy, and it’s not going to slow down. You have to choose health for you AND for your kids TODAY. You can’t wait until tomorrow.

Stay tuned for my article where I give some great, simple suggestions on how you can turn things around for you and your family.

Kathy is a wife and mommy to a 2.5 year old daughter and a 6 month old son and moved to Alberta from Ontario 5 years ago and love it! Kathy works from home as a health & fitness coach and when she’s not focused on family she is pursuing another her other passions of teaching women how to lose weight, get healthy and build confidence. You can find her on Facebook.

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