Being a Role Model: The Impact of Parents
Be Role Models: The Role Parents Can Have on Their Kids’ Fitness
We all know the importance of exercise and the impactful benefits it can give. It improves our physical and mental health, builds strength, builds bone mass, improves mobility and stability, and reduces the risk of disease, just to name a few.
As parents, one thing that may get overlooked is the role we play in influencing our kids’ mindset with our own habits. Kids are like sponges that absorb their parents’ attitudes, mindset, and responses they see from their parents through their daily living. When it comes to fitness, kids can be a good indicator of how important exercise is in their parents’ lives.
Your Kids Replicate Your Behavior
Studies indicate that children’s physical activity levels correlate closely with the levels of their parents. If our children see us prioritizing exercise as part of our daily lives, they will grow up with better habits and ideas about it. They will learn that exercise is simply made to be a part of daily, habitual routine, and hopefully enjoy it, through reaping the great benefits from it. Exercise becomes less of a struggle with kids, when it becomes a regular family routine.
Exercise is Key for Development
Exercise, like nutrition, is a fundamental part of a child’s physical growth. Like adults, exercise builds stronger muscle and bone. And according to studies by Active Health, developing a consistent physical foundation from a young age develops a healthy bone mass and density, which reduces the risk of developing bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis later in life.
Exercise Can Maintain Metal Health
Physical activity helps manage stress and anxiety. The rush of endorphins released during exercise promotes better moods. In addition, it can give a child something to focus on and work to become better at, whether it’s just the exercise program itself or to be a better athlete in sports.
Fitness is not only important for your own health, but it can be an impressionable habit to kids if you’re a parent. Parents are the ultimate health model. Let’s step up and lead by example.
As always,
GIVE YOUR BODY WHAT IT NEEDS, WHEN IT NEEDS IT.
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