09/01/2024
Rowan asked to learn how to deadlift today and my heart about burst.
Before we had children, TJ and I discussed our views on sport and exercise for our future children. It’s always been something we knew we would expose them to but never push them to do if they weren’t interested.
It’s difficult as parents to see something that you view to be very high value, but to allow your kids to make their own choices on.
Our kids are constantly exposed to education on fitness and exercise through both TJ’s and my careers. Our children understand that bodies come in different shapes, sizes, ability, etc. They know that protein is good for our muscles and hunger levels, carbohydrates are great for energy and our brain, and dietary fat is good for our brain and fullness. Our 5 year old can easily put together a well balanced snack or meal that prioritizes protein and his energy needs based on the time of day.
Our children understand that getting outside and moving our body makes us feel better than watching TV, but they also understand the importance of rest.
All of these skills, along with seeing their parents consistently put them into practice, will hopefully set our children up for a healthy future where they’re able to develop their own preferences for dietary intake and exercise in a way that feels good to them.
It’s hard not to push them into the sport you loved growing up. It’s hard not to stress sometimes when your child opts for asking for more cookies while avoiding their meat or veggies. Keep showing up as a good example. Keep including them in meal choices and letting them see how great you feel after moving your body.
I will always remember this moment. I will always remember the day my son thought his mom and dad deadlifting was so cool that he wanted to learn and did his first barbell deadlift with a smile on his face. Whatever your preferred form of exercise is, I hope you get this moment with your child (or niece, nephew, etc).