I get this question daily. Receiving both sides of the argument, I wanted your opinion. Some argue that when you're a mom it's selfish to put time into fitness. Where others say, you're setting a terrific example for your children.
I think moms have enough to worry about, and it's unfair to make us feel guilty for pursuing health and wellness for ourselves and our families. Yes it takes time to workout, but don't we deserve that and aren't we helping our children in the long run? Watching my three year old daughter do mountain climbers or frog jumps makes me know I'm on the right track. It's absolutely precious to see.
Why do you think people think it's selfish? Or, that we should feel guilty? What could be wrong with teaching your children to love exercise and choose the right foods?
What side of this are you on?
I think that as parents, if we "do not" take care of ourselves physically, we will not be ready for the demands of parenthood physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually....it is not selfish. Yes, I love to workout for ME, but I also know my boys will benefit. Because of this, my 16 year old has now taken up weight lifting with me...so we both work out and bond at the same time. My 10 year old cannot wait to hit 12 and start working out with us!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have a 2 year old daughter and I feel the guilt sometimes. Although I put it on myself. But I think as long as you are teaching your children to be HEALTHY and not putting an emphasis on being skinny or thin, than it can do nothing but good! She loves doing jumping jacks and begs for brocolli. I know Im doing something right. And I know that when I do put time into the gym, I am a more patient energetic person afterwards.
ReplyDeleteI dont think its selfish at all!! you have to set an example for your kids, that health and fitness is important to a good life. I see too many kids that are unhealthy looking, and then I look at the parents and see why.
ReplyDeleteThe people who think its selfish or who try and make you feel guilty are jealous and/or insecure about themselves. They have to put others down to make themselves feel good. They probably aren't in shape and probably don't exercise or eat clean, so they make the excuse that fit moms are selfish for taking time to be fit. Its a free pass for them when they use that excuse.
ReplyDeleteI agree a lot with Heather. I think people say it is selfish to make themselves feel better about what they are doing, or aren't doing. I don't think there is a better way to teach our children about a healthy lifestyle, then by showing them. If it were easy to be strong and fit... everyone would be. It takes time, planning, and patience and anything worth having is worth the hard work to achieve.
ReplyDeleteIf you are a fit Mom, you will have more patience and energy for your children. It is like being on an airplane and the oxygen masks are deployed. As a parent it seems selfish to put on our masks before our children, but if we don't help ourselves...we can't help them. Take care of your health and wellness for your children, you'll be around longer to enjoy them. Great post as always Kim!
ReplyDeleteWe should not feel selfish or guilty about taking the time to be healthy and fit! Finding the balance in life is hard but our health should be on top of the priority list for ourselves and our families, this includes physical and mental health :). I, for one, find my gym time(and the results I achieve) to be just the thing for mental escape and stress relief. I am proud of my fit life and I do it for ME, I am a person not 'just' a Mom, and I think being a Fit Mom makes me a better Mom!
ReplyDeleteI believe it sets a great example to our kids that being healthy is better, too many magazines advertise the latest diet craze and that you have to be skinny to look good. My 6 yr old loves flicking through my Oxygen mag and my 22mth old gets my sneakers for me every morning! They expect mommy to go to the gym every day, it's just part of their routine. If I don't go I know I won't feel like 'me' and that affects the family! It's sometimes hard to juggle it all but it's worth it, when I look at unhealthy kids I feel sad that their parents are not teaching them to be healthy, they can't buy the food themselves and rely on parents to provide for them Watching 'Jamie's food revolution' on TV really shocked me!!
ReplyDeleteLove the post Kim, great blog!
What great responses. With all these comments, I know we are helping people be free of guilt, thank you all! You inspire me!
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