Page 28 - Dr Pamela Peeke

Parents are Role Models, Children are Copycats

By Sara Holliday

involved. Working out together gives rewards to both you
and your child, including improved health and connection
with each other. For example, the other day I did a half hour
of yoga with my older son. It was very exciting to see how
much he loved it. At the end we sat facing each other. We
placed one hand on one another’s heart and focused on the
love we had for each other. When the session was over he
said he felt so relaxed he actually wanted to go to bed!

You can encourage healthy food choices by associating
positive effects with a good choice. For example, my hus-
band tells our boys that fruit and veggies are “power foods”
that will make them grow strong and tall. I always chuckle to
myself when my son exclaims, “I’m having a power grape!”
I’ve found the key to being a good role model is to be con-
scious of how my behavior influences my children’s future.
As much as possible I vow to respect my children, eat
healthy, exercise consistently and do yoga, and most impor-
tantly give lots and lots of love!

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Ever noticed when your child is upset that he or she says
something in the same tone that you did when you’re angry? Congratulations to the NAWBO San Diego
Ever noticed your child imitating you? Children are copy- 2009 BRAVO! Award winners:
cats, and we are their role models. So it’s important that Women’s Advocate of the Year
we engage in positive behaviors so our children grow up as Lorraine Fisher, Off Ramp Publishing
healthy, well adjusted adults.
Trailblazer Award
I learned the lesson well a couple of days ago when I heard Katherine Nelson, San Diego Natural Soap Company
my 5 year old son, telling his two year old brother, not to do Signature Award
something in a stern and unforgiving voice. I said to myself, Colleen Connery, CoCo & Associates
“Wow, is that what I sound like when I’m upset?” Just as I Green Community Award
tell my son to take deep breaths before he reacts, I need to Judith Seid, Blue Summit Financial Group
heed my advice and take deep breaths before reacting too!
Children are copycats and good reminders too. Woman Business Owner of the Year
Dr. Helen Eckmann, James L. Consulting
If you’re having challenges getting motivated to lead a Special thanks go out to the 2009 BRAVO! sponsors:
healthy and active lifestyle, remember that you are your
child’s role model. They watch everything you do, including
how you eat, and are likely to follow your example. Parents
want their children to grow up healthy as opposed to dealing.
To learn more about NAWBO San Diego, the
with body image issues and weight problems. Now is the premier organization for women business owners, visit
time to get up and get moving! www.nawbo-sd.org or call 877-866-2926.

Making exercise fun will encourage your children to get
Issue 2, 2009