It’s no secret that healthy feels good. But how does how we feel affect our kids?
As parents, most of us are completely invested in the wellbeing of our children.
We know if they’re happy and healthy, they’re better able to deal with the stressors of life.
But what about us? How often do we look after our own physical and emotional health?
Our kids watch everything we say and do (and often what we don’t say and do).
When we’re balanced and healthy, that influences them.
Here are four feel-good factors for us, cos in the end, you’re doing it for your kids.
Healthy Relationships
If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we’re social creatures.
That’s why it’s so important for kids to see the relationships you have with the people around you.
Do a self-assessment and check in on your closest relationships.
How do you interact with family, friends, your partner, your parents, the teacher, your siblings, the barista, the shop assistant?
Your kids learn how to treat people by watching you.
And if they learn how to do positive and functional relationships, they’re more likely to be happy across the board.
Healthy Habits
Monkey see, monkey do.
Kids love routine because it makes them feel safe.
They know what to expect and when to expect it.
Let them see you scheduling your emotional and physical wellbeing and making it a priority.
That’s a healthy habit you want them to copy.
Healthy Emotions
When we feel better about ourselves physically and mentally, we’re less likely to give way to those emotions that stress can cause.
You know the ones.
Irritability, anger, anxiety, mood swings, fatigue, tiredness.
It’s tough being a parent sometimes.
But, we owe it to our kids to bring the best version of ourselves as consistently as we can.
And, when we do those things that bring us joy and good health, we’re simply nicer to be around because we feel good.
Healthy Expectations
None of us are perfect.
Everyone has bad days.
But, it’s what we do consistently over time that counts.
If we make a poor choice, or could have dealt with something better, we have an opportunity to teach our kids how we deal with adversity.
Do we give up altogether when we hit a road block?
Or, do we treat tomorrow like a new day and give it another go?
Having healthy expectations of yourself can teach our kids a lot about resilience, effort, and persistence.
Forgive yourself like you would others, and don’t give up on yourself.
Because as they say, you’re worth it!
Free Health Resources & Programs
There are some amazing free programs & resources out there for Queensland individuals and workplaces.
If you want to get started on your road to healthy, why not have a look at some of them? You’ve got nothing to lose!
Health & Wellbeing Queensland – Making Healthy Happen Programs
