“Bad Habits That Can Hurt Your Kids' Health”

 

PARENTS AS ROLE MODELS: Kids learn how to feel about their bodies, abilities -- everything -- from what you say and do. The most powerful way to teach them healthy habits is not with rewards or punishment. Instead, act in a positive way and model healthy behaviors. When you set a good example, you’ll help them learn good ways to feel happy and make healthy choices. Have changes to make yourself? That's OK. You can do it together.

BAD HABIT # 1: CRITICIZING YOURSELF - Negative comments about the way you look send the message that self-esteem should be based on how your jeans fit or how much you weigh. It can train kids to find flaws in what they see in the mirror, which can set them up for self-esteem issues and poor body image. Cut out the critical remarks. Instead, talk about how good you feel when you exercise, eat healthy foods, or get enough sleep. Those are the lessons you want kids to remember.

BAD HABIT # 2: EMOTIONAL EATING - If you use food to feel better when you're sad or disappointed, you could be passing on unhealthy messages to your kids. You're showing them that food is the way to feel good about yourself. Instead, work on other ways to boost your mood when you're feeling down. Let them see you talking to friends or going for a walk to feel better.

BAD HABIT # 3: TOO MUCH TEXTING, EMAILING, TALKING - It's not fair to tell the kids not to text at the dinner table if you're there on your phone. What you do sends a stronger message than what you say. Set family rules about screens, and everyone, including parents, needs to stick to them. Use the time away from devices to have a great dinner conversation or go for a family bike ride.

BAD HABIT # 4: EMPHASIZING THE SUPERFICIAL AND MATERIAL - Many little girls like to play dress-up. But experts say be careful about making mani/pedi parties more important than other quality time. Use "girl time" to have fun with healthy habits -- go for walks or teach her a sport. She'll learn that being a girl means being strong and powerful. Plus, she'll see that exercise is a great stress reliever. Also be sure to tell her she's smart or kind as often as you compliment her beauty.

BAD HABIT # 5: DRINKING TO PERK UP OR FEEL BETTER - If you come home after a bad day at work and say, "I need a drink," you show your child that alcohol is a good way to relax and feel better about yourself. The same goes for relying on tons of coffee or soda for energy. Instead, find healthier ways to relieve stress or get energized. Try exercise, meditation, or a relaxing hobby and get the whole family involved. Those are good ways for everyone to relax or recharge.

BAD HABIT # 6: MAKING EVERYTHING A COMPETITION - Pointing out to your child that other kids (neighbors, classmates, siblings) are more athletic is rarely a good motivator. Instead, praise him for doing his best. Help him focus on the fun of being outside or on how he’s getting better. You can also help him find an activity he's passionate about and help him practice. Talk about how you need to move every day and how it makes you feel good. 

BAD HABIT # 7: ALWAYS ARGUING - If you and your spouse constantly snipe at each other, your kids are learning that it's OK to act that way. Stress is often a trigger for arguments. If you need help handling everyday strain, look into some stress management techniques. Arguing may make you feel better at first but worse later. Plus, stress from fights has a negative effect on kids.

BAD HABIT # 8: GOSSIPING - Criticizing the way someone looks or acts can be a sign of poor self-esteem. About to blab? Stop. Ask yourself if there's good reason. Chances are you do it out of habit, so opt not to. The same goes for indulging in a lot of Hollywood gossip TV shows and magazines for a pick-me-up. Instead, turn off the TV, put down the mags, and show your kids how to unwind and re-energize in healthy ways. Get everyone outside for a bike ride or game of hopscotch.

CATCHING YOURSELF: If you find yourself behaving in a negative way around your kids, don't ignore it and hope they didn't notice. Point out your mistake. Use it as a teachable moment. Get the kids involved by asking them to help you stop. They'll probably be more than happy to point it out if you do it again, and you'll all be more aware. Family members are more likely to find success if they support each other in their healthy choices.

REVIEWED BY: Amita Shroff, MD, WebMD on November 09, 2018

REFERENCES:

David Kaplan, PhD, family counselor; chief professional officer, American Counseling Association; past president, International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors; author of "Family Counseling for All Counselor," Alexandria, VA.

Karen Zager, PhD, psychologist, New York.

American Psychological Association: "Fatherhood and healthy behaviors for families."

Jackson Rainer, PhD, psychologist, professor, and director of clinical training at Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA.

Anderson, S. Pediatrics, March 2010.

Vanderbilt University Department of Psychology: "What Is The Relationship Between Low Self-Esteem and Eating Disorders?"

Silverstone, P.H. Medical Hypotheses, Vol. 39, 1992.

Steinhausen, H.C. International Journal of Eating Disorder, Vol. 13, 1993.

Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: "Eating Disorders," "Stress and your health fact sheet."

HelpGuide: "Bulimia Nervosa."

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health: "Make a Difference: Talk to Your Child About Alcohol."

American Academy of Family Physicians: "Stress: How to Cope Better With Life's Challenges."

American Academy of Pediatrics: "A Preteen’s Personalized Guide to Managing Stress."

University of Maryland Medical Center: "Stress -- Risk Factors."

Brigham Young University Magazine: "Lies, Gossip, and Cold Shoulders."

Melhorn, S. American Journal of Physiology, published online July 7, 2010.

Hinkle, K. Child & Family Behavior Therapy, Vol. 33, Issue 4, 2011.

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.  

“20 Things You Can Learn From Your Pets!”

 

FORGET MULTITASKING: When dogs have a job to do, they give it their undivided attention. It turns out people should probably do the same. Stanford researchers found that attention and memory suffer in those who juggle work, email, and web-surfing, compared to those who focus on one task at a time. Other studies suggest employees actually lose time when multitasking.

 

TAKE NAPS: You won't catch your pet going from dawn to dusk without any shut-eye.  There's good evidence humans can benefit from catnaps, too. A study involving about 24,000 people indicates regular nappers are 37% less likely to die from heart disease than people who nap only occasionally. Short naps can also enhance alertness and job performance.

WALK EVERY DAY: Whether you've got four legs or two, walking is one of the safest, easiest ways to burn calories and boost heart health. Taking regular walks can also help you:

• Fight depression.
• Lose weight.
• Lower your risk for type 2 diabetes.
• Lower the risk of breast and colon cancer.
• Keep your bones strong.
• Keep your mind sharp.

 

CULTIVATE FRIENDSHIPS: People are social animals, and friendships have measurable health benefits.  Researchers in Australia followed 1,500 older people for 10 years. Those with the most friends were 22% less likely to die than those with the fewest friends.  

 

LIVE IN THE MOMENT: Living in the moment may be one of the most important lessons we can learn from our pets. In a study called "A Wandering Mind Is an Unhappy Mind," Harvard psychologists conclude that people are happiest when doing activities that keep the mind focused, such as sex or exercise. Planning, reminiscing, or thinking about anything other than the current activity can undermine happiness.

 

DON’T HOLD A GRUDGE: Part of living in the moment is letting bygones be bygones. Let go of old grudges, and you'll literally breathe easier. Chronic anger has been linked to a decline in lung function, while forgiveness contributes to lower blood pressure and reduced anxiety. People who forgive also tend to have higher self-esteem.

 

WAG: OK, so maybe you don't have a tail. But you can smile or put a spring in your step when you're feeling grateful. Researchers have found a strong connection between gratitude and general well-being. In one study, people who kept gratitude journals had better attitudes, exercised more, and had fewer physical complaints.

 

MAINTAIN CURIOSITY: According to a popular saying, curiosity may be hazardous to a cat's health. But not so for humans. Researchers have found that people who are more curious tend to have a greater sense of meaning in life. Other studies have linked curiosity to psychological well-being and the expansion of knowledge and skills.

 

BE SILLY: Indulging in a little silliness may have serious health benefits. Cardiologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center found a stronger sense of humor in people with healthy hearts than in those who had suffered a heart attack. They conclude that "laughter is the best medicine" – especially when it comes to protecting your heart.

 

GET A BACK RUB: The power of touch is nothing to sniff at. The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has found massage therapy can ease pain, give the immune system a boost, and help manage chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes. The touch of a loved one may be even more powerful. In one study, married women experienced less anxiety over the threat of an electric shock when they held their husbands' hands.

 

DRINK WATER WHEN YOU’RE THIRSTY: Dogs don't lap up sports drinks when they've been playing hard – and most people don't need to either. During a typical workout, drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated. Water gives your muscles and tissues critical fluid without adding to your calorie count. Be sure to drink more than usual on hot days or when you're sweating a lot.

 

EAT FISH: Most cats would trade kibble for a can of tuna any day. Luckily, you can choose to make fish a regular part of your diet. Salmon, tuna, trout, and other fatty fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which may reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and arthritis. In addition, Rush University researchers found that people who eat fish at least once a week are 60% less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.

 

IF YOU LOVE SOMEONE, SHOW IT: Dogs don't play hard to get – when they love you, they show you. It's a good approach for people seeking to strengthen their relationships. A study published in the journal Personal Relationships suggests small, thoughtful gestures can have a big impact on how connected and satisfied couples feel.

 

PLAY: Goofing off is not just for kids and kittens. In his book, Play, Stuart Brown, MD, writes that playing is a basic human need along with sleeping and eating. Play enhances intelligence, creativity, problem-solving, and social skills. So take a cue from your pet and devote yourself to an activity that has no purpose other than sheer fun.

 

ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS: A hike in the woods may be a dog's idea of bliss, but it has plenty of benefits for the human mind and body as well. Spending time outdoors can enhance fitness, increase vitamin D levels, and reduce stress. In children, playing in natural settings has also been linked to better distance vision, fewer ADHD symptoms, and better performance in school.

 

MAKE TIME TO GROOM: Aside from the obvious health benefits of bathing and brushing your teeth, grooming can have a number of positive effects on your life. Good personal hygiene is vital to self-esteem. A tidy appearance can also help you get and maintain a job.

 

BE AWARE OF BODY LANGUAGE: Dogs are excellent at reading each other's intent from body language. Humans, not so much. While most of us do reveal our emotions through posture, speech patterns, and eye contact, other people generally aren't very good at reading those cues. People get better at decoding body language as they get older.

 

STRETCH OFTEN: Stretching will keep you limber, but the benefits don't stop there. In a 10-week study, volunteers who did no exercise other than stretching experienced surprising physical changes. Besides improving flexibility, they increased their muscle strength, power, and endurance. Although the study was a small one, the results suggest stretching may be a good alternative for people who have a condition that rules out traditional strength-training.

 

SEEK OUT SHADE: When you're at the park, and your pooch is ready for a break, she'll probably find a nice shady spot to relax. Dermatologists recommend you follow suit, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. That’s when you would soak up the most UV rays, particularly during late spring and early summer. While you're sheltered in the shade, it's a good idea to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin.

 

STICK TO A SCHEDULE: Pets like the consistency of a routine – they can’t tell a Saturday from a Monday. The same goes for the human body clock. People sleep better if they go to bed and get up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Sticking to a consistent schedule for bathing, dressing, and eating can also improve the quality of sleep.

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD on August 29, 2011

REFERENCES:

Stanford University.
NPR.
Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance.
Archives of Internal Medicine.
National Sleep Foundation.
AARP.
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
New England Journal of Medicine.
JAMA.
American Journal Of Preventive Medicine.
Curr Sports Med.
Science.
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Case Center for Collegiate Behavioral Health.
Motivation and Emotion.
University of Maryland Health Center.
Touch Research Institute.
Psychological Science.
KidsHealth.org.
American Heart Association.
Washington State Department of Health.
Rush University Medical Center.
Personal Relationships.
Brown, Stuart. Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul. New York: Penguin, 2009.
National Wildlife Federation.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
University of Illinois Extension.
Harvard Business School Working Knowledge.
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
CDC: "Skin Cancer Prevention."
American Psychological Association.
American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk. 

The difference between friends and pets is that friends we allow into our company, pets we allow into our solitude. ~Robert Brault

Ever consider what pets must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul — chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth! ~Anne Tyler

Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms. ~George Eliot

An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language.  ~Martin Buber

Lots of people talk to animals.... Not very many listen, though.... That's the problem.  ~Benjamin Hoff, The Tao of Pooh

The kind man feeds his beast before sitting down to dinner.  ~Hebrew Proverb

Animals have these advantages over man:  they never hear the clock strike, they die without any idea of death, they have no theologians to instruct them, their last moments are not disturbed by unwelcome and unpleasant ceremonies, their funerals cost them nothing, and no one starts lawsuits over their wills.  ~Voltaire

I believe in animal rights, and high among them is the right to the gentle stroke of a human hand.  ~Robert Brault

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit 

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 

"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)