We are about two months into our oldest son having his learner’s driver’s licence and so far, so good. No accidents and very few arguments. I’m sure all parents of drivers have had the occasion to say, “Do as I say, not as I do.” It has happened a few times with my son.
Me, “You were supposed to come to a complete stop before you made that turn.”
My son, “But you don’t!”
Touché. I think having my son in the process of learning how to drive has also made me a better driver.
As parents, we always want to set the proper example for our kids, but it’s nearly impossible for the example to be perfect. The first time one of our kids swore, it was with a phrase that was my own “go to” words for when I swear. I wonder where he learned that?
Here is a statistic that may make some of you swear: in Canada, 60 per cent of children aged 5-18 are overweight or obese. That is more than half!! Sadly, Saskatchewan is the worst province in the country for childhood obesity.
While there does exist a genetic propensity for obesity, genetics cannot be blamed. The obesity gene still has to be expressed through lifestyle factors, like diet and exercise habits.
Is it possible that a large part of why so many of our kids have weight issues is what our kids are seeing, not only in the media, but right at home? Research tells us that parents greatly influence a child’s eating habits right from the time they start eating solid foods.
Kids don’t really have a choice with what they eat. For the most, part they eat what we eat (unless there are special circumstance like food allergies, diabetes, celiac, or other sensitivities). And, just as importantly, they eat HOW we eat. If we have dessert after a meal, they have a dessert after a meal. If we snack in the evening, they snack in the evening. If we drink pop, they drink pop. For some adults, eating during times of stress is common, and that habit often leaks into how our kids deal with stress.
Do not underestimate the effect your habits have on your kids, especially with their relationship with food.
Exercise habits are no different. If your child sees you exercise regularly, there is a good chance you child will develop these good habits as well.
“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.”
- James Baldwin (American author)
