Today is going to be a busy day for me. I know at work later I will not have time to squeeze in my own workout, so I decided to pop in a quick round of my ol' reliable "Plyometric cardio circuit" Insanity DVD. My 5 year old asked if he could watch and/or join in, so I said of course. About a few minutes into it, he says "Mom, why do you do this anyway?"
In a mom panic, I searched for the "right" words in my head. The words to let him know that exercise is fun and necessary, and that while momentarily this may have had more to do with the hoards of food I ate over superbowl weekend, in the bigger picture it has NOTHING to do with that at all. It's never about fad diets or quick fixes or weight loss. It's about being strong. It's about being the best ME that I can be. It's hard raising two little boys by myself at this very vulnerable age. I want them to know that women can be strong, and women are so much more than the latest clothing style our outward appearances, that their self worth is never ever based upon the number in the back of their jeans or on the scale. And *I* am their #1 example, the woman in their life that they will learn all of these things from. Don't just tell them, SHOW them, Heather.
So I spit out something along the lines of "well buddy, you see exercise is fun, and it makes mommy happy and..."
He cut me off.
"Mom. I thought you did this so you can get even stronger. You know, so you can beat all the other moms and even the dads at your running races, and win some more medals. Right?"
"Right. That's exactly right."
"Well keep it up, you are getting even faster, I can just tell. "
And then he high-fived me...and told me to pay attention, I wasn't keeping up with Shaun T.
I love my kids :)
What kind of example are you setting?
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22 comments:
I love this! I always love that my friends who are moms are setting such a great example for their little ones on the importance of fitness and taking care of themselves. I know it can be hard to fit in workouts when there are a hundred other things to do. I hope that I teach my children as you have.
Heather, pretty cool. Glad you are still rocking the Insanity. It's nice to have a quick butt-kicker to do inside on those cold New England days! Beth and I send positive energy!
Heather this is so sweet!!! Out of the mouths of babes! I am ever aware of two little eyes watching what I do and what I say! I need to be an example of what a strong woman looks and acts like for my daughter!! You're boys are going to be amazing and caring men some day because they have a mom like you!
I freaking love this!! I’ve only been running for a year and someone asked me recently “what’s your reason to run?” I want my daughter’s to see their mom as strong, and not obsessed with the scale but obsessed with feeling good. I want them to know that it’s okay to be competitive (in a healthy way) and I want my son to know all the same things you want YOUR sons to know.
This is spot.on. perfect!
Thank you!
Sarah
Heather, I just had a son 1 month ago. We chose not to find out what he was until he was born. The SECOND I found out it was a boy, all the thoughts you just put down on the screen ran through my head. I realized that I am the only one responsible for SHOWING him what a strong woman is. His Dad can tell him and tell him everything about how to treat a woman. I am the one that's supposed to show him that woman are not "supposed" to think they're fat, to be down on themselves and sell themselves short. Women are supposed to be strong, just like you said. Keep up the great work & I hope I can show the same example to my son.
That ROCKS! I love my kids too.... and being strong
That ROCKS! I love my kids too.... and being strong
I love this post! I'm going to refer to it on my blog at www.dashingdiva.net.
Awesome post! I'm run for the same reasons. Before, when I just had my twins, I told myself the same, that I want to set an example for my boys and follow my dreams. Thanks :)
Thank you so much for inspriring me to be a positive role model to my children. You rock!!!
Dead on!! So very true, and I too am passing this one on to friends!
That's so astute of him. He totally got it.
That complement is priceless! I totally agree, it's important for us parents to be good examples for our kids.
Way to be strong and fast!
Nothing better than praise from our children! Seems often they are our best supporters!
What an awesome story! It's amazing how quickly they pick up on what we do, and reasons we do it, beyond what we might expect. Thanks for sharing!
That's one smart kid you have there! Well done for teachuing them so well :-)
Great post! And your little one can join in with simple exercises or what ever he finds fun to do in kid style as long as its safe!
true in so many ways! I am the mother of three (two of them girls) and I think that being active in front of and with them is one of the best body-image messages I can give them.
Great post! Just last night I was doing Pure Cardio w/ Shaun T and two of my girls were joining in and later that night my husband told me he was thankful I was setting a good example of exercise for our kids :)
Super Mom! I can say you are Heather. It is really nice to see your kids loves running with you. I really admire Mom who is strong and athletic can take care of her child while shes on her career Super Mom as what I call her..
Awesome post and so true! My 5 year old woke up early the other morning and joined me doing a little Jillian, he was amazed that I could do so many of the same moves he does in Tae Kwon Do :) And after my long runs he is always waiting for me with some chocolate milk for us to share. I am proud that he knows how important exercise is thanks to the emphasis we put on having a healthy balanced lifestyle.
Hi Heather,
So true! As a busy, working mom of 2, it is so crucial that we pratice what we preach. Running and excercise are such crucial parts of living a good life, yet, sadly the majority of the kids these days do not have exposure to either.
I also think it is HUGE, that even when there are a zillion things going on, to take time and do what Mommy needs to do for herself. I have been following that mantra this past year and everything else falls in line.
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