This post is sponsored by The American Heart Association, the views and ideas expressed in this blog post are those of the author and do not necessarily the views and opinions of the American Heart Association.
Are you a parent? A teacher? Both like me? Being a parent or teacher means you are a role model whether you like it or not. What research tells us about learning is that it is a social endeavor, children learn through interaction, observation and experience. You probably know that already so I am sure you are a perfect role model right?
I’m not either, but I am trying.
Over the past few months I have been working with the American Heart Association and through this partnership, I have been forced to take a good look at some habits that I have fallen into, like not getting enough sleep. I know I am not the only teacher out there who finally gets time to lesson plan at 11:30 pm.
We can’t be great role models, parents, or educators if we are not our best selves. I have compiled a list of simple changes that you can make to be a better healthy living role model for your children and students. You may find them useful for you as well.
There are nine months left in 2016 and 9 of my tips on this list. Little steps add up, and that’s what counts.
- Set a bedtime for YOU, aim to get enough sleep, and try to stick to it! Parenting and teaching are much easier with more sleep, trust me.
- Fill a jug of water with a squeeze of lemon in your fridge. If it’s there, you’ll drink it! Take a water bottle to school with you and sip on it all day long.
- Take your children grocery shopping at let them each pick at least one type of fruit and veggie to buy.
- Get your kids cooking! Even very young children can help chop, measure or mix.
- Browse the American Heart Association Pinterest board for healthy recipes and cook them with your children, for teachers choose a recipe to make at school with your students.
- As you cook dinner lay out fruits and veggies for your hungry kids to snack on.
- For teachers ask that parents bring healthier snacks for special events and birthdays like air popped popcorn, apple slices, and dried fruit instead of cookies, cupcakes, and candy. (I took popcorn in for my son’s birthday at school, and it was a huge hit!)
- Stock up on small non-edible prizes such as stickers for home and school to celebrate instead of offering candy for a job well done.
- If you crave FIZZ ditch, the sugar-sweetened beverages and grab some carbonated water instead.
What are your favorite tips or little changes? How do you focus on health and wellness to be a good role model for the young people in your life?
Come chat about it over on American Heart’s Mom Facebook group and tell me your simple changes to a healthier you!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of American Heart Association and The bLink Marketing Network. The opinions and text are all mine.
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