As a parent, you are a role model and someone that your kids look up to.  Therefore, they are going to try and be like you!  If you have good habits yourself, these will naturally trickle down to your kids.  When you make decisions about how you live your life, realize that they not only affect you, but your little ones who will try and replicate everything you do!

Participate

Have you ever had a coach that got in and participated in practice?  It can be frustrating to be barked at by a coach who wants you to be better, but it’s different when that same person hops in and plays with you side by side.  It can be the same as a parent.  If you want your kid to participate in a certain sport or hobby, get excited yourself and get involved!  Get out into the yard and show them how it’s done.  Even if you’re not the expert or the head coach, your involvement will be a huge motivator!

Show a Zest for Life – Be a Kid Yourself

Sometimes you need to learn from your kids and you can certainly do that when it comes to having fun doing nothing.  Get out in a field and blow bubbles, run in circles and get a little crazy!  I guarantee your kids will pick up on your child-like energy and they may have a smile that’s almost as big as yours.

The Great Outdoors

These days it’s easy to involve the whole family in outdoor activities.  Is it a beautiful day?  Get out for a hike.  They make backpacks that you can strap your toddler into, skis that fit your 6 year old and life jackets that fit the whole family.  You don’t want to put your family at risk, but don’t be a wimp either.  Get out into the woods and go look for salamanders in streams.  Take a canoe out to a lake for a paddle.  Not only will your kids love the sites, smells and getting dirty, but also they will learn important life skills and develop a passion for the natural world.

Games and Technology

In today’s world there is no doubt that modern technology is attractive to our kids and us. Video games are fun, there’s no surprise that it’s easy for kids to get sucked into them.  Use good judgment.  If your child puts computers and TV before activity then you need to address it.  Think about what you used to do and encourage it.  Remember tag, kick the can, wiffle ball and water gun fights?  Help organize and make these events fun.  Also, think of ways to integrate captivating technology with activity.  Tell your kids to go out and make a video of them selves building a sand castle or seeing how far they can kick a soccer ball, they’ll think it’s really cool!  Then, have them take video of you doing something; they’ll think it’s hilarious!

Food

Most people know that the child obesity rate is on a sad rise.  Kids are becoming overweight at an insanely young age.  One factor is the lack of activity and another is obviously what they eat.  A lot of times parents with overweight kids are overweight themselves.  Use your kids as motivation to better yourself.  You want your kids to be healthy and you can set the tone by making improvements yourself.  Get rid of the soda and the mass amounts of junk food, make healthier meals with the fruits and vegetables that your kids like and everyone will benefit.  You can reward and treat your kids with cookies and sweets, but just as it is with yourself, keep it in moderation.  1 or 2 fresh cookies are okay, 6 are not!

About the Author

Cooper is passionate about health, fitness & blogging & when he's not running around he writes about Lacrosse Equipment, hacky sacks and a myriad of other topics.