Morning All,
I am working everyday at being a healthier role modelfor my children and other people?s children. I say working because I believe it to be one of the jobs that I have as a parent. The most important element is communication?constant communication, because ideas are fluid and repetition is important. I encourage you to talk openly with kids about the food choices you are making both in their presence and out.
For example, when you go to the grocery store why I are you choosing this cereal over that one. What ingredients are you watching out for? My children know about high fructose corn syrup. They know that I am looking for cereals with good fiber and protein content, and lower sugar numbers because it gives them a better foundation to start their day. That way they know that if I buy them the apple jacks on vacation that it is a treat and must be used accordingly.
We talk about the components of a healthy meal plan, vegetables, fruit, carbos, protein, fiber, omega 3?s? when they want a treat they come and report to me, ?I had protein and some fruit already, if I have some veggies can I have a popsicle?? They look at their diet as a whole, over the course of the day, instead of meal to meal. This makes them more aware of whether or not they are getting what they need to function and grow. They are also able to plan better if they know that we are going out to dinner in the evening at a restaurant with a dessert they like they won?t have any treats earlier in the day so that they can makes the choice to get the treat later. This self awareness is empowering.
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We keep snacks in the car, which can be a little hard to manage as a mess, but ultimately it?s worth the extra trouble as it saves money , time and it gives them better choices than just running to the fast food line or a vending machine. In our garage we have a set of shelves with all of the snacks. Before we head out to an event they are responsible for gathering their own snacks for their bags like pretzels, turkey jerkey, k-bars, fruit snacks, nuts? In the freezer we keep cheese sticks, fruit juice jello, snack pack puddings made with milk. Gogurts, grapes and the pb n j uncrustables.
They also understand how important hydration is. They make sure to have their water bottles filled because they need to replace their fluids when they are out running and playing. We spend a lot of time at the park after school, so they can urn off all of the steam they accumulated through the day sitting at their desks. There is not enough inherent activity built into the school day, so it is really important that they have a chance to run like puppies after school and on the weekends. We love to rake walks as a family, whenever our crazy schedules allow. We always have a water bottle and snack in tow too, just in case.
As far as body image goes, I am open with my kids about my own desire to be healthier and more fit. They know that I have been struggling despite being extremely active and very particular about my eating habits. We talk about metabolism, the heat in your body that helps you burn food energy and reduce your weight. We talk about how stress and lack of sleep can really make you run cold. They see me burning the candle at both ends and remind me that I need to rest. just as I remind them. We are a team.
We also talk about food triggers. They know that if I am really really super stressed out I will have black licorice-an extremely uncharacteristic move for me since I don?t often eat sugar stuff. And if I am over the edge I may have a root beer or a diet coke! It?s funny to hear their response, ?Oh boy, Mom?s got a soda, we better go clean our rooms.?
The fact of the matter is we are never going to eat and do ?right? all of the time, and that?s okay. It?s okay as long as we are paying attention make informed choices, good and bad. My kids understand that ultimately it?s about how I feel in my own skin and about myself that matters most, not some socially imposed ideal. So I make choices to do the best that I can that plays to my reality. Hopefully by doing so, I am teaching them to do the same.
Active Play, Healthy Food and Peaceful Sleep are what we need for an AWESOME, fit life. I sing about it, I teach it and I live it. That?s what my children need from me as a parent, and I am willing to step up to the plate for the challenge.
ML
Miss Lori is an award winning recording artist, a TV host, and an Educator but most importantly she is a Mom. She can be found “Musing from her Minivan” on facebook, twitter, youtube, myspace, Chicago Moms Blog and her own website, Miss Lori’s CAMPUS.
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