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by Sam Wood
Most people know me as the health and fitness expert but what a lot of people don’t know is that my passion for fitness extends well beyond adults. In 2007 I founded Gecko Sports, Australia’s first ever kids gym. Gecko runs programs from junior Gecko (3-5 years) right through to highschool students, helping kids of all ages with strength, balance, co-ordination and fitness. I loved having such a positive impact on children at such an influential time in their lives and I was always a big advocate of ensuring that the positive messaging that was occurring in the Gecko classes was being mirrored at home.
Now, as a dad to three beautiful girls, 2 under 2, I have never been more aware of the positive impact we need to have as parents. Children are sponges. They will observe, absorb and mimic all behaviour, good and bad. I really believe that it is never too early to begin this positive modelling for children. From getting kids to understand what real food is and how to make healthy food choices, to drinking water, having a healthy body image and of course- making movement fun.
Teaching your children to enjoy physical activity is one of the greatest gifts we can give them and it all starts at home. Not only does teaching your kids to enjoy being active promote good health, it has benefits that go well beyond fitness. Physical activity can help develop motor skills and balance, improve concentration, develop social skills and build confidence. This is something that both Snez and I really believe in and it’s never too early to start instilling healthy habits in your kids. To lead by example and give your kids the best chance of leading a healthy life, here are 5 of my top tips.
It is so important to practice what you preach.
This can begin before you even have children. As a mum, leading a healthy lifestyle yourself increases the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy and speeds up the recovery process. For both parents it ensures that you are setting a great example for your children from day one.
It’s not just what you do, it’s what you say.
If your children witness examples of body shaming or negative self-talk they are highly likely to mimic this behaviour. You will have great difficulty telling your children how beautiful they are if you refuse to see the beauty in yourself. Place value on things other than physical appearance. Teach your kids to value who they are and not just how they look. Tell them they are smart and strong, not just beautiful.
Make it fun.
Creating a positive relationship with food and exercise all starts with making it fun. Don’t use exercise as a punishment and don’t use food as a reward. Get children to interact and engage with food and fun forms of physical activity as early as possible.
Don’t assume your kids are getting enough physical activity at school.
Increasing academic demands and fewer teaching resources means that children unfortunately are doing less and less physical education at schools and as parents we need to be aware of what they are really doing. It is not enough to assume they are getting enough physical activity at school, we need to ensure that they are moving their bodies.
Aim for balance when it comes to technology.
I am not one to say children shouldn’t be learning and experiencing all the wonderful tools that technology offers but it does have to be about balance. From toddlers to teenagers, parents need to be aware of the amount of time their kids are spending on all forms of technology daily and to ensure it is not having a negative impact on physical activity and social development.
Sam Wood is one of Australia’s leading fitness experts and the founder of Australia’s fastest growing online training and nutrition program, 28 by Sam Wood.
For more information please visit www.28bysamwood.com
