Monkey See, Monkey Do

How often have you tried not to laugh when your child has imitated your words, body language, or habits? We enjoy watching children learn and grow, and they quickly pick up the things that go on around them.  They observe our mouths as they learn to speak and eat, they scrutinize our hands as they learn to use silverware, tie shoes, and write letters, and they witness our daily interactions with those around us as they learn how to fit into this world.

Oftentimes this scrutiny can be daunting.  Are we being the best possible examples for our children? While this question can be considered on many levels, I would like to explore our lifestyles.  Do we make daily healthy choices for our meals, snacks, and drinks, or do we order fast food several times a week?  Do we sit at the computer and television for hours each day, or are we actively involving our family in games and fitness?

One morning last week, my son came to me with two small ‘dumbbells’ that he had made out of a toy construction set.  He was incredibly excited as he showed me his mini squats and shoulder raises (along with a few other movements that I wouldn’t have my classes try with real dumbbells!).  “See Mommy, I’m exercis’n!” Have I ever blown my whistle and made my almost 3 year old get up before 6am to do squats, pushups, and rows alongside me? No! But, he pays attention when I work out.  He wants to be like me and do the things I do.  This is a little clip we made for daddy. =)   

As I was considering our opportunity to be healthy role models for our children, I discovered a study led by Laura McGowan, PhD from University College in London that was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.  The summary of the study is quite simple.  When parents were “trained to have healthier eating habits, their children's eating habits also became healthier” (Madia). The researchers began with two groups of parents.  The first was the control, while the second received individualized training helpful to starting 3 healthy habits.

1) Serving fruits and vegetables   
2) Providing healthy snacks
3) Drinking unsweetened beverages

At the conclusion of the 8 week study period, the children of the parents that received training “consumed significantly more vegetables, healthy snacks and unsweetened drinks than the children of parents who were not trained” (Madia).

I believe the overwhelming majority of parents would say that their children’s health and well-being is important to them.  However, is it important enough for us to start taking more steps towards our own health? If we begin to model healthy behaviors, it is natural for our children to follow along.  While there are days that may feel like an eternity, in truth, the time spent with our children is fleeting.  Be an example of healthy habits today.  Teach your children to cook healthy meals.  Join along with their games and activities.  If you need help along the way, take a nutrition course at a local college or a cooking class at a vocational school.  Time spent together in healthy endeavors will not be wasted. 

Sources: Madia, Joseph V. (July 20, 2013) Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids.  Daily Rx. Retrieved August 19, 2013, from http://www.dailyrx.com/healthy-eating-habits-parents-can-positively-influence-children.

Photo used with permission from Microsoft