Healthy Living

"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." Psalm 23: 2-3

What are the most valuable lessons we might share with our beloved children? Certainly how to love and respect one another. How to treat others like we would like to be treated. How to have fun.

Most children are healthiest and happiest when they have a sense of optimism and self control. Sports and physical activity enhance a child's positive feelings about her self. Encourage your little ones to play - and have fun.

A child needs plenty of sleep. Some say - depending on the child's age - they require at least nine or ten hours of sleep a night. Sleep helps restore their brains and their strength! Sleep re-energizes them! ( As though they need any more! )

In addition to the love we give them perhaps teaching our children healthy habits might be a worthwhile endeavor! Giving them the countless benefits of healthy living. Encourage them to enjoy a variety of sports. Teach them to love and appreciate the abundance of healthy natural foods we are so blessed with. Spend some time showing them how to prepare and enjoy eating healthy foods!

Many parenting experts have suggested that - to a child - love is frequently spelled "t-i-m-e". Time spent with our children and loved ones is the best, and most memorable time of our lives. And theirs! Give your child the gift of love - spend time with your child and enjoy happy, healthy pursuits!


From an old French work on Devotions:
"Do not hesitate to ask for temporal blessings, better health, intellect, success. I can bestow them, and never fail to do so, where they tend to make the soul more holy. What wouldst thou this day, My child?... If thou didst but know how I long to bless thee!"

Leading by Example

Do you ever regret buying that big flat-screen - or any television for that matter? TV's are great babysitters. While we adults get stuff done - our children are entertained by their favorite TV shows. And, unfortunately, the incessant ads touting the latest cool things for children.

Too often, children's perceptions of their bodies are partly shaped by unrealistic media images that create false connections between a lean body type or “washboard abs” and subsequent success, sex appeal and self-mastery. The obsession with thinness can also be fed by coaches who stress weight loss, or the age old desire to be attractive and accepted by one’s peers.

How do you teach your children to love themselves and treat their bodies like the perfect little temples they are? How do we teach our beloved youth to enjoy a healthy balance of physical and mental exercise? Hopefully the time they spend in school each week is a good start.

In the end though, it is our responsibility as parents to encourage and somehow sow the seeds. We can show our children the benefits of a healthy lifestyle naturally - by making healthy choices ourselves! If they grow up eating healthy foods instead of the fat food diet we can pick up so easily at the drive-thru window. If they see us and join us in enjoying the time preparing and cooking healthy meals.

We can encourage their interests in sports or any outdoor fun. We can lead by example - showing them how we have fun playing our favorite sports. Or even just taking a walk together or riding bikes. Now that Spring is bringing warmer temperatures to much of North America - we can spend more time enjoying the great outdoors.

Maybe we can teach our children the lifelong habit of healthy living!

Family Fun

Living a healthy lifestyle is one of the best lessons we can share with our young ones. Show them - give them their best opportunity to enjoy life more and preserve your vitality. Lead by example - A few simple habits often produce magnificent results in better health. Get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Accept and adapt to your limitations. We may not be able to hit serves or run down shots like Maria Sharapova or Rafael Nadal while playing tennis. We can still have fun and enjoy the game together. Parenting doesn’t mean we have to give up the sports and fun activities we enjoy. Share the fun with your children. We can make exercise and sports seem like a natural part of everyday living. ( And the better health that naturally comes along with all the fun! )

Studies show that optimists live longer, more satisfying lives. So if you’re not exactly the optimistic type, you and your young ones can benefit by learning to adopt a more positive, upbeat outlook. Vow to make your first thought of the day a positive one. Many people get a certain peace of mind through early morning prayer or meditation. Join the countless millions who enjoy a little early morning exercise. Try to read something positive like some inspirational quotes or affirmations to start your day off right.

Try new sports. Join a class at the local library or college. It will help keep your mind sharp. Focus on making some family time for healthy pursuits every day. If you miss a day or two - no worries. Don’t look back - regret is just a waste of time. If life isn’t working out like you hoped for or planned, forgive yourself, learn from your mistakes and then move forward! Edison used what he learned from his many unsuccessful attempts – he kept trying!

You can lead your family to a much better and healthier life if you get a little exercise most days of the week. Combine healthy eating habits with your daily exercise and enjoy a healthier and happier lifestyle! Whether you are out to improve your self esteem or trying to get in better shape - you can! Make it a family habit. Teach your children to play more, exercise and stay in shape. You'll see your quality of life improve tremendously!

Give your children one of the best gifts you can - share with them a lifelong habit of healthy living!