Is it important for parents to be a positive role model for their children in terms of their physical, nutritional, social, and emotional health? Most people would agree that it is, but lack of time is often cited as a primary barrier to healthy eating or meal preparation, and being active together.

We use the term “family” in a very broad sense. It can mean a traditional family with a husband, wife, and children; an extended family; a single-parent family; or a group of friends or neighbours. A child’s most influential role model is their parent(s) or primary caregiver(s). Parents must ensure that long-term maintenance measures such as brushing teeth, using proper car safety restraints, and giving immunizations on schedule are followed. It is equally important to be physically active for at least 30 minutes per day and to eat a balanced diet.

Childhood is the best time to introduce enjoyable physical activity and healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime. For example, physical activity provides immediate and long-term health benefits to children. In the short-term, a physically active lifestyle combined with proper eating helps children learn better and reach their optimal growth and development potential. Over time, these same factors help combat childhood obesity, a condition that has been steadily rising since 1980. Not only are children who become obese likely to develop into obese adults, but the earlier the onset of the condition, the greater the likelihood of retaining it into adulthood. Furthermore, the earlier onset of obesity in children has resulted in previously “adult” conditions such as type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and high blood pressure now being observed in children.

We all have a role to play in keeping our families and ourselves healthy for the long-run.