“I have a family now. There’s no time to exercise and eat right!” Sound familiar? Unfortunately, I bet it does because it is a very common excuse with new parents. However, it’s worrisome. Sure, kids change your life but you mold theirs! Bringing kids up in a house where exercise and good nutrition take a back-burner to video games and T.V. dinners will create unhealthy habits that’ll stick with your kids for the rest of their lives. Healthy habits ultimately offer the foundation for happiness so that you can enjoy each day without worrying about your health and you are free to pursue your dreams. With that in mind, here are 5 habits of healthy families that we can all adopt for the best version of ourselves.
5 Habits of Healthy Families:
Healthy habits are important to keeping our bodies healthy. Childhood obesity is no joke. Kids with poor nutrition are more likely to:
– Do badly in school
– Develop diabetes, asthma, high-blood pressure and a slew of other health problems
– Have low self-esteem and, worst of all
– Die at a much earlier age than their health-conscious peers
Getting your family on the right diet and exercise track is the one of the most important things you can do as young parents. A family who’s healthy together, stays together. What steps can you take to kick your family out of an unhealthy routine? Here are five habits healthy families got into. You may want to set personal goals for adding these into your family routine.
Rise and Shine
Sunday, Tuesday, Friday, Christmas Day—wake up at the same time and wake up together. Whether your kids are five or fifteen, getting into a habit of rising and shining synchronously will get your internal clocks ticking at a healthy rhythm. Getting your body on a set sleep schedule seven days a week, 365 days a year, will give you more energy, mental stamina and lead to a longer life. Lead by example and get your kids on an eight-hour-a-night sleep pattern, rewarding them with a healthy, delicious family breakfast every morning. Well rested children are generally healthy children that make better choices.
Take Turns Choosing Meals
The kids want McDonalds, you’re dying for a burrito and your spouse is ready to settle for whatever leftovers are in the fridge. Families rarely agree on what’s for dinner, so stop trying to please everyone and start delegating. Make some ground rules— no fast food, each meal has to have veggies, protein and grains, and eating out can only happen, say, once a week—and then draft up a “Meal Wheel” with everyone’s name on it.
Tuesday, little Johnny picks dinner. Wednesday, it’s your turn. Tomorrow your spouse is in charge and on Friday, Susie gets to map it out.
Getting the entire family involved in the decision-making process will make dinner more fun while putting health at the forefront. Be sure to try cooking homemade meals and limit processed foods.
Work Out Together
Whether you plan to go hiking once a week or take a karate class as a family, you need to make exercise a group activity. A great way to build this habit is by getting the whole family up—like I suggested above—and going for a run (or walk) together every morning. Exercising in the morning is proven to reduce stress and increase energy, and it’ll start you off with a great feeling of togetherness every day. Working out is great for your mental health too as it blows off steam and relieves stress. Being active is very important to healthy growth in young children.
If you want some guided programs, I suggest Fit2B® whom I discovered on social media. They are the world’s first TummySafe™ fitness provider, offering hundreds of high quality, family-friendly workout videos that are effective, safe and fun for all ages. They are passionate about providing professional, functional, holistic home exercise routines that are motivating, uplifting and encouraging. Their exercise videos range from basic breathing and alignment exercises to challenging blends of cardio and weights. Fit2B has everything from step aerobics to Pilates, Yoga to Tabata to kettlebells, and don’t miss their game-changing Color Series! They have a massive, diverse workout library of workout options and e-courses. Enjoy getting fit with your whole family!
Here is one example of the cool family workouts that Fit2B is provides! Partner Squats – K/M/TS : Partner up with your older child or another grownup and leverage each other to improve your squatting technique!
If you like these workouts and you are interested in more, use my affiliate link to join Fit2B.
Plan “Off” Days
Just because you’re getting your family’s health together doesn’t mean you have to be mean about it. Plan a night once a week when everyone gets to indulge. Maybe “Movie Saturdays,” when you watch a movie as a family and prepare a healthy family movie night snack; or “Whatever Wednesdays,” when two hours of T.V. and a healthy (but indulgent) comfort food is acceptable.
Emotional well-being is an often ignored, yet crucially important, part of overall health. As such, finding ways to address issues that you may be facing sets an important precedent for your children. It shows them that it’s okay to ask for help or to rely on resources such as mental health treatment when they aren’t feeling their best. This will help them to develop healthy coping mechanisms that they will carry into adulthood, while also improving the entire family’s mental health. After all, seeking help as a parent means you will no longer feel as though you are running on empty.
Getting your family in the routine of spending a little designated kick-back time together will bring you closer and make staying healthy that much more rewarding. It is a great time to make sure the home environment to welcoming and fun. Use your positive parenting skills and see the best in your children. Take advantage of the opportunity to show your child spending time with them and doing fun things together is important to you. Increased parent-child interaction is important to establishing bonds that will get you through tough times. Be the best parent you can be and that will lead to a more successful life for all family members including you!
Walk And Talk
Open lines of communication between you, your spouse and your kids are the foundation of a healthy family dynamic. Having weekly, or even daily, catch-up sessions—where everyone gets to share their worries, gripes, accomplishments and silly jokes—is an excellent habit for any family. Why not turn it into an excellently healthy habit, and take a stroll while you and your loved ones bare your souls? Open conversation where everyone gets a chance to express themselves is a great way to build your child’s trust so they know that they can come to you with anything.
Author of Base Camp Reno, Elizabeth Barile says, “By taking your children on hikes, you can be a model of healthy living for them. You can teach them about their surroundings, or better yet, learn about nature together. Put your phone away, so your children know you love them more than it. Breathe in fresh air, and get clear perspective on your media consumption and life. Find the freedom spending time in nature provides, and you’ll also discover you’re a more fit, attentive parent.”
Conclusion
Give one of these ideas for healthy families a whirl. Not thrilled with anything on the list above? Then let my suggestions inspire you to draft up your own healthy habits to suit your family’s needs. Whatever you do, just make sure you do it. You owe your family a healthy you, and your kids deserve a great health role model for better childhood outcomes. Do you have a healthy families-tip you’d like to share? I’d love to hear it @familyfocusblog!
Related Posts:
Quick And Easy 10 Minute Home Workout
Family Dinners: The Key to Stronger Bonds and Healthier Kids
Sujata Birla says
Very nice post on healthy families program.
Niamul Anan says
I like to follow these better life steps for families for sure. Thanks a lot! I could use a family support advocate.
Jack says
Really helpful tips. Parent support is so important for forming a healthy routine.
mubasshira says
This is such a valuable and informative article! Healthy habits are indeed crucial for families, and it’s important to instill them from an early age. Your suggestions on rising and shining together, taking turns choosing meals, working out as a family, planning “off” days, and walking and talking are all excellent ways to promote a healthy and happy family dynamic. Finding time to communicate openly and spend quality time together in nature can truly strengthen the bond among family members. Thank you for sharing these tips, and I will definitely be incorporating some of these habits into my family’s routine. Keep up the great work in promoting healthy families!
Rex says
Nice blog!.. helpful for new parents needing healthy families services.
Muhammad Nauman says
This article on “Healthy Families Do These 5 Things” is a goldmine of valuable insights for fostering strong and harmonious family relationships. In a world where everyone is constantly on the move, it’s refreshing to find a resource that emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family well-being.
The five key things outlined in the article are not only practical but also rooted in the fundamental values that create a healthy family dynamic. From open communication and active listening to spending quality time together, each aspect resonates with the core elements of building a supportive and loving family environment.
I appreciate how the article encourages families to put aside distractions and engage in meaningful conversations, promoting deeper connections and understanding among family members. It reminds us that genuine communication is the foundation of strong bonds and helps us overcome challenges together.
Moreover, the emphasis on prioritizing self-care within the family context is crucial. By taking care of our physical and emotional well-being, we become better equipped to support and nurture each other, creating a positive and uplifting atmosphere at home.
Sumit Kumar says
Thank you for sharing this blog and suggesting community resources such as the Healthy Families Program.
Farmixo says
This highlights the profound influence parents have on their children’s lifestyles and underscores the importance of prioritizing exercise and nutrition. The five recommended habits offer practical ways to infuse wellness into family life, from synchronized wake-up times to shared meal decisions and group workouts.
The piece also introduces Fit2B® as a resource for family-friendly workouts. Overall, it’s a motivating guide for fostering a healthier family dynamic and setting positive examples for children’s lifelong well-being.
Thanks for so many great ideas with big impact.