Healthy Behaviour @ Home & School
Posted on : 17-06-2008 | By : Health Promotion | In : Health Promotion Programs
Tags: Active Living, Healthy Behaviour, Healthy Eating
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Kids can get confused when adults say one thing and do another. And it’s even more confusing when parents, teachers and other adults say and do different things.
This article offers you ways to model healthy living for your children and students. The article:
* Explains why consistent modelling or demonstrating healthy behaviour is important.
* Lists a range of actions parents and teachers can take to send and reinforce a consistent message about healthy eating and active living.
Why Modelling?
As a parent or teacher, you know that kids watch what you say and do very carefully. Any difference between your words and actions is picked up quickly, especially by teenagers.
Although this habit can be annoying, keep in mind that a key way for kids to learn is by watching and copying the behaviour of others.
When you practice healthy behaviours in your own life, you are helping to set the foundation for the young people in your life to become healthy, active adults. Don’t worry about being “perfect.” Just work on being consistent.
There’s a fringe benefit, too. Being more aware of your own health behaviours is also good for you!
Modelling Healthy Behaviour
Parents and teachers may want to consider adopting some or all of the following suggestions in order to ensure that kids receive consistent health messages at home and at school.
Healthy Eating
Parents can model healthy eating for their kids by:
* Taking time for a balanced breakfast.
* Packing a healthy lunch for work.
* Drinking plenty of water at home and at work.
* Providing “sit-down” meals as much as possible.
* Engaging kids in grocery shopping and meal planning.
* Demonstrating the proper role of “treat” foods such as pop or ice cream (to be eaten from time to time, but not as an “everyday” food).
Teachers can model healthy eating at school by:
* Looking into district nutrition policies for the school.
* Taking a critical look at foods provided at school (store, vending machines, breakfast and hot lunch programs etc.).
* Packing a balanced lunch and taking the time to eat it.
* Providing healthy snacks at school events (parent-teacher interviews, etc.).
* Using non-food rewards (pencils, skipping ropes) instead of candy
* Providing a balanced selection of food at staff and school functions.
Active Living
Parents can model active living by:
* Being active with their kids or while their kids are at activities.
* Parking at the far end of the lot when dropping kids off at school or shopping or arriving at work.
* Using active ways of transportation (walking, cycling) when possible.
* Developing a personal physical activity routine by doing what you enjoy and introducing your kids to those activities.
* Trying some of the activities your kids enjoy.
* Making time for physical activity by scheduling it into your busy life.
Teachers can become active living models by:
* Walking rapidly during supervision (indoor or outdoor).
* Joining in the activities during physical education classes, recess or lunch time.
* Encouraging active ways of transportation for self, staff and parents.
* Taking activity breaks during classes, staff meetings and assemblies.
* Supporting physical activity opportunities during and after school.
* Sharing your physical activity interests with students.
When parents and teachers model healthy behaviour, children and youth are more likely to imitate that healthy behaviour.
Modelling doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming. Start with a few small steps, involve your kids and take it from there!
Source: HealthyAlberta.com
