Kids want to be just like you. Are you a positive role model and setting a good example?
Children watch and copy the behaviors of the adults in their life. School aged children most often look to parents and teachers as role models. It is important that adults model healthy eating and physical activity for the children around them. In doing so, they show children how to live a healthy lifestyle. For example, research shows that young girls are more likely to drink milk if their mother drinks milk. Milk contains calcium and vitamin D, important nutrients for bone growth and development.
Nutrition is important for people of all ages. For school aged children, nutrition plays a large role in growth, development and academic performance. It also improves physical and mental health and helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases. There are many ways an adult can model healthy eating for the children around them. Here are a few helpful hints:
Enjoy regular nutritious meals each day. This includes breakfast, lunch, supper, and snacks. Eat together as a family whenever possible. Choose a variety of foods from each of the four food groups in Canada's Food Guide every day. The four food groups are: Vegetables and Fruit, Grain Products, Milk and Alternatives and Meat and Alternatives. Limit foods and beverages that are high in calories, fat, sugar or salt (sodium). Avoid talking about "good" or "bad" foods. Teach your children how to balance nutritious foods with fun snacks. Engage children in grocery shopping and meal planning. Try new foods or new ways of preparing familiar foods. Encourage, but don't force your children to try them. Enjoy regular physical activity.
Physical activity is also important for physical and mental health. Children whose parents exercise regularly are more likely to make exercise part of their routine. Parents who exercise together with their children further raise the chance of their children exercising on their own. Adults can have a positive influence on a child's physical activity. They can do this by encouraging them to try a wide range of activities and focusing on participation rather than on performance.
Modeling healthy behaviors is not only good for personal health, but it also helps encourage children to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Written by the Public Health Nutritionists of Saskatchewan and supported by Public Health, Sunrise Health Region.
If you have any comments or questions please contact: Heather Torrie, Public Health Nutritionist, Sunrise Health Region, 150 Independent Street, Yorkton, Sask. S3N 0S7 or phone: 786-0600.
