Role Modeling
So I took Noah with me to join my new health club and on the way home he said, “I think that that’s going to be a good work-out place. One lady there was in really good shape.”
Me: “How could you tell she was in good shape?”
Noah: “Because she had on good work-out clothes.”
(I realized he meant the lady in the jog bra and biking shorts.)
Me: “You know, you can’t tell how fit someone is by how they look.”
Noah: “You can’t?”
Me: “No. People come in all shapes and sizes so it’s a mistake to assume that someone is more fit than someone else by how they look or what they wear.”
Noah: “You can tell if they have muscles.”
Me: “That’s true. Sometimes you can see people’s muscles. On the other hand some people might be too fat to see their muscles but they might still be very strong and fit.”
Noah: “Like you!”
Me: (Invisible wince) “That’s right! People might not think I’m in good shape by looking at me but they would be wrong because I exercise. My heart and lungs are very strong and I’m strong, too.”
Noah: “You run and you work-out on your step bench.”
Me: “Exactly!”
Noah: “I’m going to work-out, too. I need some exercise. I might have to put on some music when we get home and dance!”
That is a great lesson for grown-ups and children!
-d
I can’t imagine how great it feels to be able to discuss misperceptions as they arise. You seem very capable of discussing them appropriately.
*melt*
my sister-in-law is an elementary school PE teacher and uses the measurement of “happy heart,” which is when the heart rate is up and the pulse can be felt with the hand in the chest.
“Mrs. G! Mrs. G! Feel Feel! My heart’s happy!”
just like putting on music and dancing.
What a great conversation! I love it when we get those teachable moments with our kids! Good job Mommy!