Be a Healthy Role Model Working with kids or being a means having to watch what Being Healthy Starts with YOU you do and say like Setting a Healthy Example never before. Those little eyes and ears soak up everything – Adults are role models and the most important even when you think influence in children’s lives. they’re not watching. As role models, , teachers or care givers need to demonstrate healthy behaviors so children So when it comes to have healthy attitudes about eating, being physically health you have to be active and develop live long healthy habits. even more careful about how your own Your attitude just might influence the children in habits influence and your life. shape your children's ideas about food, fit-  Do you skip breakfast? ness and overall  Do you drink sodas rather that milk with your health. meals?  Do you diet all the time or have a fear of eating Here are some things “bad” food? other people have  Do you snack all day long? Make fitness a decided to do. Pick 1  Do you eat in front of the TV? activity. Get out and or 2 items below and  Do you eat whenever you are bored or under to show your little ones set the healthy exam- stress? that exercise is easy to fit ple. into everyday life.

 Eat at least 5 servings of fruits/ vegetables a day  Limit screen time Modeling Healthy Habits  Get at least 30 to 60 minutes of Modeling healthy habits support develop- physical activity ment of health behaviors in children. It every day instills life long healthy habits and de-  Avoid sugar- creases chronic diseases health risk. sweetened bever- ages Here are a few health habits you can do  Manage stress to be a good role model.  Get enough sleep  Never skip meals, especially breakfast  Take moderate portions  Limit junk food in your diet  Drink water and low-fat milk instead of soda  Cook, prepare food and eat with the children in your life  Eat food from all food groups  Try fruit and yogurt as dessert  Take time to be physically active each day  Have a positive attitude...it’s contagious!

For more ideas visit www.iowafoodandfitness.org and www.eatplay521.com. Page 2 Be a Healthy Role Model

Being a Positive Role Model for a Parents and caregivers perfect example. There Children are like raw are a child’s first role is no doubt that role earth and they get models. They are re- modeling is one of the molded based on how sponsible for shaping most difficult and de- their parents and teach- the child’s behavior and manding tasks ever. It ers mold them. It is up implementing positive requires continuous to you to decide how values in them. Chil- learning and sacrifices you want your child to dren listen, observe to be a good role mod- be.... healthy or not and imitate. el. To influence well If you want a well be- behaved and responsi- As a parent or teacher haved and positive ble children one should you need to practice child, you will have to be willing to invest a what you preach to ex- lead by example by be- Children will considerable amount of pect a child to follow it. ing a positive role mod- reflect back time, patience and en- But majority of us el for them. ergy. what they see. miserably fail to be that

Qualities you should have as a ‘Role Model’ “By practicing Teach Positive Values: what you If you want a child to have positive Remember, guilt is normal values, you should have them as When all else fails, remember that preach, you're well. Children are known to imitate guilt is normal. In manageable dos- and follow their role models. es, it helps us to live better lives. showing your Respect Children; Being the perfect role model creates kids you believe Let the child know that they are a “self-attack” mode, wreaking havoc loved and cared for. on feelings about ourselves and our in what you're skills.

saying” Open Communication: Know that you are not alone. Spend quality time with children every day. Listen to the children Everyone struggles at times to be a and understand their feelings when good role model. If you can try the they talk. 80/20 approach; meaning to try your best at least 80% of the time while Teach Healthy Habits: knowing 20% of the time you may Just like good manners and eti- relax a bit will certainly help in quette, healthy habits also should achieving the best role model you be taught to children. Be their role can be for the children in your life. model for healthy living. Implement healthy eating habits and exercises to keep them healthy and fit.

In short, be a positive role model to child by implementing positive atti- Take time to spend tudes and behaviors in front of the with children and child. make it active time!