As a husband, father of six amazing children, and a fitness professional, one thing has become crystal clear to me over the years—health isn’t just about me. It’s about us. My choices, my habits, and the way I lead my life directly impact the most important people around me—my wife and our children.
When I think about partnership in health, it’s not just about accountability or cheering each other on. It’s about setting an example, planting seeds of wellness, and nurturing an environment where healthy habits aren’t just encouraged—they’re lived.
The Power of Leading By Example
When it comes to influencing my family, I’ve learned you can’t just talk the talk. Sure, I can tell my children, “Eat your veggies!” or encourage my wife to try a new workout. But words only go so far. It’s actions they notice most. Being the leader of our family means I have to show them what health looks like—not just explain it.
Every time I lace up my shoes for a morning workout or choose a nourishing meal over fast food, my children are paying attention. Every time my wife and I prioritize time to prepare a wholesome dinner together, we’re setting a tone of partnership and shared goals. They see it. They absorb it. And eventually, they mirror it.
That’s not to say it’s always easy. Sometimes after a long day, we all just want to grab pizza and zone out on the couch. But it’s in those moments where leading by example becomes so powerful. Choosing even a small act of health—a walk around the block, me shadow boxing in the living room, or meal prepping to accompany the easier meal choice—shows my family that health is a priority, even on the hard days.
The Ripple Effects of Healthy Habits
The beautiful thing about focusing on health as a family is that it doesn’t just benefit the person starting the habit. It trickles down to everyone.
When my wife and I decided to commit to meal prepping, it felt like a small, simple goal. But as we stayed consistent and stuck to our prepped meals each day, something unexpected happened—our children noticed. Before long, they started asking for their own prepped meals or were even eager to try ours! What began as a personal goal has now become a family habit, and I can confidently say it’s had a positive impact on my children.
The same goes for movement. Whether I’m working out at the YMCA or playing a quick game of tag with the children, they see that staying active is normal and fun. My wife often will have the children doing physical challenges as a form of play. It’s not just about fitness—it’s about spending quality time together in a way that strengthens our bonds and keeps us healthy.
Challenges and Rewards
Of course, this journey isn’t without its stumbling blocks. With six children, there’s a lot of juggling involved. Busy schedules, picky eaters, and differing interests all pose challenges. But over time, something clicked for me—we don’t all have to be perfect, and every little step counts.
Maybe one of the children isn’t a fan of vegetables right now. That’s okay. We involve them in choosing or preparing meals. Giving them ownership helps them connect to the process.
When I fall off the wagon (hello, late-night snacks while binge-watching a show), I don’t beat myself up. I simply reset and remind each myself why I made that commitment to wellness in the first place.
The reward? It’s in the laughter during family time, in the pride on my children’s’ faces when they master a skill at practice, and in the way my wife and I feel more connected and capable because we’re staying strong together.
Tips For Building A Health Family Framework
- Be Consistent, Not Perfect: Children, spouses, and even we as individuals don’t thrive on perfection. A consistent effort goes further. Show up every day in small ways—whether it’s prepping an easy breakfast or doing a foam rolling routine before bed.
- Make It Fun: Health doesn’t have to be boring or militant. Dance like a goofball in the kitchen while cooking, turn family walks into scavenger hunts, or compete for who can do the most jumping jacks.
- Team Up with Your Spouse: Your partner is your biggest teammate. Work together to set goals and celebrate small wins. Whether it’s meal prepping or planning a hike, having support makes a world of difference.
- Give Kids Choices: Instead of forcing habits, involve them in decision-making. Ask them which fruits they want for snacks or what new activity they’d like to try as a family. Empowered kids are more engaged.
- Celebrate Wins Together: At the end of the week, reflect on what went well. Did someone try a new vegetable? Did you have a great workout? Acknowledge the progress—it motivates everyone.
The Legacy of Health
More than anything, I’ve realized that the health habits we nurture today are gifts for our family’s future. My children may not remember every grilled chicken dinner or every mile I ran, but they will remember a household where health was valued and practiced.
Leading by example isn’t just about me staying fit or strong. It’s about teaching my children and reinforcing with my wife that health is how we love ourselves and each other. It’s the partnership that binds our family and creates a ripple effect of wellness that will hopefully carry them through their lives.
To my fellow parents and spouses reading this—it’s not easy, but it is so worth it. Every step you take toward health, no matter how small, is a step toward stronger connections, happier days, and a brighter future for your family.
We’re in this together. And together, we’re stronger.
Peace, Love, Light, and Healing,
Neriah
