Think about all the things you do today that help you stay healthy.
Chances are most of them were learned when you were a kid.
Parents are our first role models; the more healthy habits we learn from them, the more likely we are to carry them through into old age.
What can you do as a parent?
Set examples
It’s hard to expect your kids to do something if you don’t do it yourself.
It’s much easier to make it a requirement if it’s a household rule.
Kids trigger good behavior. All of a sudden, you see the world around you in a different light. Use this time to make better choices in your own life, so you can be a healthy role model in your kids’ lives.
Explain
Even two year olds can start understanding simple explanations, especially if they hear it again and again.
“We buckle up every time we get in the car to stay safe.”
Don’t expect kids to follow the rules the first time. Or the second. We’re all human; we break rules. It’s your job to gently nudge them back on track.
Focus on a little at a time
Big changes rarely stick. Instead, spend time focusing in on one change at a time.
If you want to make your child conscious of brushing their teeth correctly, make that the only thing you focus on for a few days until she gets it right. Give little tips over several days rather than all at once.
“Brush twice a day.”
“Use a pea size portion of toothpaste.”
“Make circular motions with the brush.”
You know you’ve made headway when they start doing it without any input from you.