Tapping into your values to help you succeed

When I talk to people about their values, and ask them the questions to really get at their priorities in life, almost everyone reverts to the 'family first' answer, and no-one more so than parents.

If you dig a little deeper it then goes to the health of their family, 'As long as they're healthy and happy then it doesn't matter'

 

Think about that...

Every year since 2006 in a bid to tackle rising obesity rates in children the government has conducted a series of measurements on children all over the country. It measures children as they enter and leave primary school. It is intended purely as a feedback mechanism for parents to assess whether their child was in a healthy range or not. 

The results may shock you, or worse they may not. One in three primary school leavers was either overweight or obese. 

 

If you as a parent have a poor attitude to food then it is very likely that your children will too. Their beliefs and values are subconsciously moulded by you, and their attitude to health is no exception. When they see you making poor food and exercise choices they will undoubtedly follow suit.

Linking food with emotions is something which most parents do naturally, and the effects are potentially very damaging. Cheering them up when they are sad with sugary foods will work in the short term but will develop an association of food as the way to deal with problems. It also works indirectly, do your children ever see you having a 'glass' of wine to unwind after work?

How were you treated as a child? Did you get sweets when you were sad?

As a result, do you ever comfort eat/drink?

To counteract this, it is your responsibility as a parent to look after yourself and to be a role model to your children to protect their health. This is a powerful realisation for parents as they tend to be a pretty selfless bunch. They tend to be happy to watch themselves burn out physically and emotionally while their children grow. 

But when they come to realise that in doing this they are subconsciously teaching their children that it is expected that they become unhealthy and tired as they grow up, then they realise things have to change. 

Use your children as a motivating tool, do it for them. Allow them to have a role model in life that rather than encouraging them to be unhealthy, will lead them to being happy and content.