How to Help Kids Develop Positive Habits through a Healthy Mindset Demonstrated by Parents

As parents, we know the day our children are born that we have a duty and a responsibility to them. This encompasses many different areas. One place that we can demonstrate our dedication to our children’s well-being is by modeling behaviors that we wish to see in them. From chasing our dreams to walking away from unhealthy situations and relationships, our behaviors now reflect how our children will behave when they are, themselves, adults. This post shares ideas for how to help kids develop positive habits in key areas of life.

This is a guest post by Amanda Henderson.

Life Goals

Children often have lofty aspirations for the future. It is our job to encourage our little ones to chase their dreams. But it’s really difficult to do so if we don’t follow our own advice. If you grew up in the 90s or early 2000s, you may have wanted to be a software developer or work in information technology. If you didn’t follow that dream, now is your chance. You are never too old to go back to school to earn your master’s in IT. The same logic applies if you’re stuck in a job you hate. You can make changes that perpetuate your happiness, even if it means taking a pay cut and living life a little more simply.

Physical Health

Taking care of your body is another way you can showcase positive actions. From the time your children are babies, make a point to be active with them. Go for bike rides, have a dance party, or spend your summers swimming. Even if you don’t engage in a regimented fitness program, your children will not get used to living a sedentary lifestyle.

You’ll also want to pay close attention to the food that you bring into your home. Keep healthy options around, ideally fruits, vegetables, and healthy snacks. When it’s time to pack your children’s lunches, the Lovin’ Life With Littles blog has suggested before to keep things simple. Stick with a main dish, fruit, side vegetable, and, when a treat is warranted, something yummy like pretzels or a cookie.

Peer Pressure

Peer pressure comes in many forms, and you can’t always be there to witness your children’s reactions to negative influences. We often think peer pressure is something exclusive to teenagers, but the truth is that it starts much younger. If you notice your child being swayed to do naughty things by friends or other family members, make sure they see you saying “no” and making decisions that go against the grain. Talk with your children about boundaries, and don’t be afraid to tell them about ways that you set boundaries for yourself as an adult.

Raising assertive children may not be easy, but it’s a challenge that can help them be more independent from an early age. Kids who are not afraid to stand up for themselves are also less likely to experiment with tobacco, drugs, alcohol, or sex.

Other Ways to Be a Positive Influence

There are thousands of ways that you can show your children what a healthy adult life and relationships look like. A few other things to consider are:

• Volunteer. Teach your children that a community is only as strong as the people within it. Here are some tips for getting started volunteering as a family.

• Show affection. Normalize telling your friends, family, and children that you love them, and don’t shy away from hugs.

• Communicate. Communication is essential and all aspects of life. Maintain an open line of communication with your children’s teachers as well as other adults in your and their life.

• Be present at family time. Put the phone down at the dinner table, and show your children that they are your priority in those moments.

• Practice self-care. Take a bath, read a book, or take a long weekend to yourself every once in a while. Children need to see their parents practicing self-care.

Every action you take can have a positive or negative influence on your children in the future. Little things, like packing a healthy lunch, up to the major decisions we make, such as going back to school as an adult, imprint on our children’s minds. The behaviors you model today will stick with them for a lifetime, so make them count.

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Want to be the best parent you can be and still have time for yourself? Download Lovin’ Life with Littles’ free guide to help you create time for what matters most to you.

What’s challenging for your family about these ideas for how to help kids develop positive habits? What have you done to model these behaviors for your kids? Share in the comments!

Guest blogger Amanda Henderson is both a mom to two rambunctious boys and a preschool teacher, so she knows from experience how quickly a situation can become unsafe. She created and writes for Safe Children to educate parents on how to keep their children safe while also having fun. Learn more from Amanda at safechildren.info.

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