As parents, we are stretched thin, juggling a never-ending list of tasks. Many of us focus on ensuring our children have every opportunity to succeed. We take them to their sports practices, cheer for them at their games, and help them with their activities. In the process, we often end up sacrificing our own time to exercise.
What if the most important thing we could do for our kids isn’t just showing up? What if it’s actually leading by example when it comes to health and fitness?
I had an eye-opening conversation recently with a dad who shared a common struggle: He’s too busy driving his kids around to their sporting events and practices. “I don’t have time to train myself,” he said.
His priorities were clear: the kids’ needs came first.
This got me thinking…
- Is he really helping his kids by not prioritising his own fitness?
- What message are we sending when we neglect our own health?
- Will our kids grow up thinking exercise is something they “grow out of” as they get older?
- Will they associate fitness with a chore rather than a lifestyle?
- Do we want them to end up with tired, sluggish bodies that don’t prioritise their health?
We all know the benefits of staying active—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s more than just looking good. It’s about living longer, feeling stronger, and teaching our kids that taking care of their health is important. In fact, studies show that when parents are active, their children are more likely to adopt similar habits.
A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that children of active parents are more likely to develop lifelong healthy habits. And according to a 2019 report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), parents who engage in physical activity at least once a week report better mental health outcomes. For example, 60% of parents who exercise regularly felt less stressed, compared to just 35% of parents who don’t exercise.
The Benefits Are Clear, So Why Don’t We Exercise?
If we know all the benefits of exercise, why do so many of us put our own health on the back burner? Why do we skip that workout or avoid the gym, despite knowing how much better we’d feel afterwards?
I get it. Parenting is relentless. Our days are packed with tasks, obligations, and responsibilities. But when I reflect on my own life, I realise that the times I’ve exercised are the times I’ve felt better. I have been more energised, less stressed, and more present for my kids.
I always joke that “the weights don’t talk back,” meaning it’s a great way for me to release the stress of a frustrating day. When life gets chaotic, I know that I can leave it all on the gym floor.
Over the past 11 years, since having kids, my exercise routine has continuously evolved. There have been seasons when I’ve:
- Woken up early to train before the kids are up
- Exercised while they were at their own sports practices
- Left them at home while I worked out (as they got older)
- Taken them with me while I trained, allowing them to watch and learn
I remember when my kids were just 3 and 4 years old. I would drop them off at a Ninja Warrior class, and then I’d head over to a boxing class at the same venue. It wasn’t a glamorous setup, and certainly not a place I would normally choose to train, but it allowed me to squeeze in my workout.
Reflecting on the Dad’s Response
When I asked the dad I mentioned earlier why he doesn’t exercise or take part in a class while his kids train, his response was, “My parents did it for me, so now it’s my turn to do it for my kids.”
At first, I understood his sentiment. We want to be there for our kids—whether it’s watching them race on the field or supporting them during a challenging practice.
But here’s the thing: We can’t give our kids the best version of ourselves if we’re not taking care of our own well-being.
Yes, it’s important to be there for them, but it’s equally important to show them that their health matters too. By making time for our own fitness, we aren’t just improving our own lives, we’re setting an example for our kids. This will benefit them for years to come.
In the end, it’s not about being perfect or finding the time to train every single day. It’s about making health and fitness a priority for your and for your family.
It’s about leading by example. By staying active, we show our kids that taking care of their bodies is part of life, not something for just kids.
So, next time you’re feeling guilty for taking a little time to train, remember: It’s not just for you—it’s for them. You’re showing your kids that exercise is a natural, essential part of life. And the more we prioritise our own fitness, the more they will too.
Let’s not just tell our kids to be active let’s show them how. Together, we can create a healthier, happier future for ourselves and our children.
Are you ready to train—for yourself and for them?
Leave a comment below and let me know how you make time for fitness while balancing family life. Do you have any tips or stories to share about how you lead by example when it comes to health? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let’s support each other in making fitness a priority—for ourselves and for our kids.
Let’s do this—together!
Book your free 30-minute call with me
If you’d like to discuss how you can fit exercise into your routine and brainstorm some ideas, I’m offering a free 30-minute call to chat. We can unpack what’s on your mind, or just have a conversation to help you get started. No pressure—just a safe space to talk with someone who understands. I’d be honored to connect and support you. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Want more practical tips and empowering insights?
Subscribe to the blog for fresh content to support your personal growth, wellbeing, and family life. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for your daily dose of motivation, inspiration, and community connection. Let’s grow together!
Leave a Reply