People often think that their legacy to their kids is about wealth transfer. But the fact is, we give our kids far more than our genes and our money. We also pass down our habits, both the good and the bad.
Our healthy or unhealthy habits live on in our children. Since only 20% of disease risk comes from our genetics, the other 80% of disease risk is from our lifestyle (Grow Wellthy, The Health/Wealth Conversation Guide, p. 1). The way we embrace fitness or avoid it, does not go unnoticed. Our relationships with food and our body image insecurities often get passed down and taught to our children as well.
For example, parents often unconsciously teach their children some of their own food beliefs. Talking about gaining weight or speaking poorly of your body image after eating dessert may teach your children that dessert is always bad, or confidence will come if they avoid the certain foods being eaten. Often saying that a certain kind of food is bad for you or simply stating misinformation, such as pasta being bad for your health, may give your children anxiety around eating pasta in the future, even though pasta is not inherently bad for your health. These comments and conversations reinforce generations of anxiety or unhealthy eating myths, as well as contribute to poorer mental health and lifestyle choices.
Since your health is so much more than your diet and exercise regimes, what habits are you happy to pass down? My Mom loves to walk and she has shared that habit with anyone that will join her. Can you make some changes to improve your healthy eating and movement habits? Which physical, mental, emotional and spiritual legacies would you be proud to pass on to your children? Some ideas to consider:
- Meatless Meals on Mondays
- 10 minute family workout challenge
- Family walks or bike rides
- Creatively repurposing leftovers for a meal
- Meal prep or planning as a family
- Stress-coping strategies
- Yoga and meditation practices
- Daily reading for personal growth
- Strength training
- No devices at the dinner table
#HealthIsWealth
Some of my favourite memories as a child include dancing around the living room to country music, playing on the swing set and monkey bars that my Dad built in our backyard, and biking and swimming on our family camping trips. I also enjoyed baking with my Mom and learning to make meals for our family. So many of the activities we do as a family leave a lasting impression. I treasure the memories I have from growing up and I find myself sharing many of the learned habits with my family.
Your health is your biggest asset! What can you do to improve your health habits and leave a lasting legacy?
Source: The Health/Wealth Conversation Guide, www.growwellthy.com
Check out the Blog about What I learned from my Parents
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