A chanced encounter with a family of five in Sri Lanka, couple of months ago, sets me thinking; what is the fundamental basis for a family to motivate each other In the pursuit of health, happiness, positivity and success.
A little background of the family; they are in the Land of Serendipity to seek answers for leading a much happier, fulfilling, organic life, away from the current stresses that often faze us. From Australia, they feel the way to do it is to visit a place where life is not so consumed with ‘outsides’ influences.
We live in a current world where everything is constantly evolving, changing. These changes are at rapid speed; most time, we get lost in the midst of it all. Of course, when that happens our lives get affected considerably too. Most times making it hard to focus, regroup and recharge, let alone be motivated.
As a mother of two, I totally can relate to this. I constantly have to juggle between being a wife, mom, a friend – setting boundaries and motivating my kids to lead much healthier, successful lives.
The time I had with myself to address this led me to few pointers which I know will help being a source of motivation in leading a much joyful life.
In everything we do, ask the question WHY. In this instance, why is motivating the family to lead healthier and more successful life important? I’m sure we all have the answers albeit different ones. For some, perhaps family history in certain ailments is a huge motivator. Others perhaps its knowing leading healthy lifestyle could easily translate into a successful one. Afterall, its always been said, a healthy body leads to a healthy mind; and the opposite is also true.
Parents, we know that in order to relay anything to your kids is to do it yourself first. Children do not do what you tell them to; they emulate what you do. A healthier, happier and successful parent, chances are your kids will follow suit. Emotions are contagious. If you are unhappy chances are your kids will too.
I have always believed in doing chores to build character in my children. It is still an on-going journey for me. Might sound petty but telling kids to contribute in every little way is actually preparing them for what is to come in life. Doing chores is not just that, it teaches kids to be gritty and responsible. Kids will also learn the value of hard work and the art of working together in a team.
Collaboration happens a lot these days – at work, in sports and what better way than to let it start from home. Praising is a fantastic way to build self-esteem in children. However, if done incorrectly, it can also have a reverse effect. Children might feel the pressure to always score the highest or always wanting to be the best without immersing themselves in the whole process. What they should be praised on is their efforts throughout the journey of whatever project they have embarked on.
Empower kids and do away with parental dictatorship. Children do better when they are part of the decision-making or even have a say in the process.
My family loves rituals; we create our own. That evening walks after dinner, the little chats we have in the afternoons after school, making food together and sometimes just watching a good movie, curling up on the sofa on a random day. These are the things that build bonds in families.
Building meaningful relationships is essential to growth and psychological well-being. Make sure the family takes part in get-togethers, play dates, lunches or breakfast meet-ups.
The internet and many gadgets available these days are definitely magnificent inventions, however they are also known as catalyst for many problems; less focus, anxiety, hyperactivity and other social problems. Use gadget to your advantage not the other way around.
In conclusion to all that had been said, have chats from time to time with the children on ways to be healthier, happier and more successful. Reiterate to them the importance of having good amount of sleep. Tell them also what could happen to their body if there is no proper rest. Food is fuel for the body; teach them the benefits of certain food and the dangers of others, if taken excessively.
Come up with rules that work for your own family; children actually thrive on rules; use it to your advantage, parents.
Create the importance of working-out couple of times per week. It does not mean joining an expensive club or calling in a personal trainer; a run in the park, a half-hour kick-ball session or cycling around the neighborhood is sufficient. The bottom-line is to keep the body moving and sweat a little.
Teach kids about grooming; and I do not mean the primping-for-hours-in-front-of-the-mirror sort. Grooming in this context simply means being tip-top in hygiene matters; taking care of your cleanliness, body scents, hair and nails could totally change the way you feel and see yourself. If you look presentable, you feel good about yourself and of course, when you feel good, you just want to give the best in whatever you do. Parents, you have to walk the talk.
Whatever you tell the children, you have to do the same. Kids usually learn by example; so you have to eat healthily, think positively, behave amicably – if that is what you desire your kids to be
