Fit Family Parenting Principles

1. Be positive and praise about how good your workout was and how strong and healthy you feel. This is a great teachable moment on how your workouts make you feel.

2. Be a role model of integrity, love for your family activity, and a healthy lifestyle. Children copy cat and watch their parents. You do not have to be perfect to be a good role model, but when parents are loving, energetic, and eating good healthy foods; your children will take notice and be impressed. Our kids are small computers. It is up to you to program them at an early age on integrity, love for the family, and a healthy, active lifestyle.

3. Enjoy some adult life. A weekend date night or an adult vacation will keep the parents relationship fresh, healthy and energized for better parenting. My father used to tell me to always take care of the root (Mom & Dad) of the family flower and the family flower will bloom. UCLA famous basketball coach John Wooden used to say a happy wife makes for a happy life. He would send all his married with children coaches home early.

My two daughters love it when Mom and Dad get dressed up and I take their Mom out on a date. Always recognize the family needs and meet them to the greatest extent possible without compromising your physical and emotional health. Have fun with parenting and take time to care for yourself and your spouse.