Have you ever thought of what it feels like to be an influencer? Guess what, turns out, you’ve been one from the day you became a parent! Yes, you are your child’s #FirstInfluencer. They watch how you behave, how you speak, how you dress, how you eat and just about all that you do. Your good habits and bad habits included. We know you want the best for your child so we’ve put together some tips on how you can be a great role model and set the right example for your child to grow up happy and healthy!
Do As You Say or Do As You Do?
Children don’t particularly do what you tell them to. In fact, their modus operandi is to do as you do! Children learn by observing people around them such as their parents and grandparents, even when they aren’t intentionally trying to teach the children anything. This is called ‘observational learning1’.
It’s cute when your child imitates you taking an important business call, but it may be alarming when you see them doing something you didn’t realise you did in their presence. Especially if it is something you didn’t exactly want them to see or hear! Because you see, children don’t have filters!
As such, you might need to re-evaluate some of your actions in order to lay the right foundation for your child’s personality, life choices, and behaviours. For a start, let’s look at 5 aspects of healthy behaviour that you can role model to your children.
1. Healthy Eating Habits
If you champion healthy eating at home, it will pave the way for your children to follow suit. Here’s how you can do so:
- Make Healthier Food Choices as a Family
Firstly, limit the availability of unhealthy snack options and sugary beverages at home. Stock-up on healthier alternatives such as fruits. By doing so, your children will more likely reach out for healthier snacks and choose to drink more water to curb hunger pangs in between meals. When eating out, opt for more wholesome options by choosing food and drinks available at Healthier Dining Partner eateries.
- Make Meal Planning & Grocery Shopping a Family Affair
This is a great way to bond and eat healthier! It’s a fun activity for the children too! Get the family together and make joint decisions on meal plans and grocery lists. Use the opportunity to introduce your children to healthy ingredients and eating a balanced meal. By following My Healthy Plate2, you can see what a balanced meal may look like. ‘Quarter plate of wholegrains, Quarter plate of protein, Half plate of fruits and vegetables’ is an easy way to remember the right proportions of each food group in a well-balanced meal.
2. Screen Time-Out, Please!
Most parents are concerned about how much time children spend on screens. However, parents spend quite a bit of time looking at screens too. As such, it might be good to have some house rules, for both you and your children, when it comes to screen time.
- Disconnect to Connect
Family time is precious! However, when you use your phones, you are often distracted and not fully present. Being present means staying focused and fully engaged in the moment. One way to be present is to set clear boundaries. For example, ‘No phones during mealtimes and play time.’ This way, you ensure that you give your undivided attention to your family and engage with them personally!
- Within Limits, Please?
Set ground rules at home and make sure everyone, including you, follows these rules! Whether it’s the use of devices or watching television, set alarms and stick to the time limit. This is a meaningful way to show your children that you’re not against devices, it just has to be in moderation!
- Better Together
It’s best to supervise your children when they use their devices. You can get involved in their screen time by watching a movie together or having a game night. After which you can even talk about the activities over a meal or before bedtime. This will make your children associate devices with family time instead of using it to isolate themselves from the family.
3. Beauty Sleep for Healthy and Happy Families
Some children might find sleep ‘boring’ and would rather play all night given the choice. But getting sufficient sleep cannot be compromised. One way to make this happen is by making bedtime fun.
- Bedtime is Fun Time
Children do well with routines, especially one that they look forward to. Create a bedtime routine for the entire family – brushing teeth, choosing pyjamas, reading a bedtime story, or anything that works for you! Create a cosy cocoon of domestic bliss that your children look forward to every night.
Remember to put the devices and toys away at bedtime. You can check out Captain Sleep resources to help you create your family’s very own bedtime routine!
- Less isn’t Always More
When you don’t sleep enough, chances are you will be grumpy and tired the next day. The same goes for your child too.
Remember, sufficient sleep is imperative for your well-being as well as your child’s growth and development. When they sleep enough, not only is their mood better, they will also learn better and their bodies produce growth hormones.
4. Let’s Get Moving
With increased access to technology and devices, more children in this generation are leading a sedentary lifestyle. One of the best ways for you to role model healthy behaviours is by getting a good dose of sunshine!
Life gets in the way, but even short bursts of activities go a long way. Schedule time to bond with your family through physical activity and set a good example by participating enthusiastically in the activities with your child. Work around your schedule and slot in swimming, cycling or any outdoor activity that involves the entire family regularly. When you have more time, attempt different things like going for a hike or trying out a new sport. Leading an active lifestyle is in fact the bedrock of a happy and healthy family. There are a host of lessons to learn from doing outdoor activities together – perseverance, resilience, improving social skills, stepping out of the comfort zone to name a few.
Start leading an active life today for a healthier tomorrow!
5. Self-Care is the Best Care!
Very often as parents, you are burning both ends of the candle. When you experience burn out, your children are affected too. Instead, you can role model healthy behaviour by actively taking steps to practice self-care.
Parenting can be stressful and raising children while managing your own physical and mental wellbeing can be a tall order. Self-care can come in the simplest of forms of OKAY tips – , Observe your emotions, Keep a healthy lifestyle, Adopt coping skills and You can reach out.
Self-care doesn’t always have to be a trip to the spa or an extravagant shopping spree. It just means knowing when to take a pause, creating healthy boundaries, and not giving up every ounce of your energy for everyone around you and neglecting yourself in the process. When you practise self-care, your children will also learn the importance of it.
Mums and Dads, we hope that we’ve given you some food for thought. Always remember that your children are watching and following all that you do. That’s why you are your child’s #Firstinfluencer! In re-evaluating your own lifestyle and habits, you will find ways to be a better role model to your child. For more tips on parenting and role modelling ideas, visit the Parent Hub website. Start leading a healthy lifestyle to raise happy and healthy children!
References
- https://kids.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Children_Learn_Best_by_Observing_Behavior_of_Adults
- https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/55/my-healthy-plate