Be A Role Model

Your kids will always look up to you, or will always want to, even when they are grown up and out on their own. You can always set a good example, it's never too late to have an impact on how they view themselves and life.

If you have younger kids, I beg you not to talk negatively about your body around them, ever. Making comments about how you need to lose weight, for example, can, and will, cause your kids to question their own bodies. Before you know it they'll begin to look at themselves in the same negative ways you look at yourself. I'm not kidding, read up on it. It's a shame but "dieting" is becoming a main focus among girls at an increasingly, alarmingly, young age.

Create a positive household and encourage healthy living rather than simply focusing on faults or problem areas. Pointing out your flaws is mentally bad enough to do yourself, but when children are seeing you be unhealthy, mentally and physically, that's what they'll learn.

Give your kids the right tools to live long and fulfilling lives by learning to do the same for yourself. And remember, like I said before, your kids are never to old to look up to you. You can set an example at any age and your kids will respect, appreciate, and admire you for it.

Parents have a lot to compete with. Kids at school can be so horrible, I know, but that's all the more reason to have a stable and healthy home. Being active with your kids, as a family, will create stronger bonds between you, and exercise provides a great way to build self-esteem and relieve stress.

Get out there and go for a walk with your kids! Go play at the park, get on the swings with them, try out the monkey bars (I promise you it's harder than you remember!!) and enjoy your time together!

PS- IF you're reading this and feeling horrible because you're already in the habit of beating up on yourself in front of your kids, don't worry! It's never to late for you to make a change. Showing them that you can change and make better decisions for yourself will give them the strength and encouragement to do the same if and when they need to for themselves.