We are THRILLED to officially expand our FirePower Cares team! Please join us in welcoming Julia Tran, Psychotherapist, CrossFitter, and overall good human to the team. She will be a regular contributor of content and workshops. Keep an eye on our socials and web site for more unique and helpful tips and tools for everyday life!
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Many of us have grown up surrounded by bizarre and misguided fitness fads. Take it from a 90’s kid whose first images of health and fitness were Britney Spears’ airbrushed abs and of course, the infamous Shake Weight craze (who could ever forget). Parents and caregivers often grapple with promoting healthy practices while protecting our kids from the same confusing messages we faced.
But here’s the good news: we have a chance to shape a healthier mindset for our children, one that celebrates the joy, confidence, and fun of being active and feeling healthy. Kids’ brains are remarkable meaning-making machines, constantly soaking up and connecting new information. These connections form what I call their “Brain Blueprint”. So, how can we help our kids create a positive and supportive Brain Blueprint when it comes to health and fitness?
1. Reflect on how you TALK and THINK about your own health & fitness journey
The way you talk about your own fitness journey serves as the first draft of your child’s Brain Blueprint. Pay attention to patterns of self-criticism or punishment, like “I worked out today, so I deserve a treat” or “I MUST follow the workout plan perfectly, even if I’m exhausted.” Comments like this can foster feelings of shame and pressure, when what we really want is to nurture a positive relationship with health and fitness.
Instead, focus on promoting a balanced perspective by highlighting the diverse benefits of physical activity. After a workout, take a moment to recognize its immediate rewards, such as “I feel happy and energized after exercising.” This approach activates the brain’s reward system and links positive emotions to exercise.
Use the bio-psycho-social model for inspiration, and remember: small, everyday comments can have a big impact!
2. Acknowledge the process & effort MUCH MORE than the outcomes
Mentioning and praising results is not, in itself, a bad thing. There is a time and a place. Generally, when we focus much more on results, we risk our children feeling discouraged to continue doing things they do not immediately excel at. When we reinforce the idea that the process is just as valuable than the outcomes, we promote a mindset of being present, embracing the ups and downs of learning new skills and ultimately, creating more resilient minds.
3. Join in on the fun!
I am a true believer that us adults have a lot to learn from our kids. Not taking things too seriously is just one of them. Whenever possible, join in and have fun with it. There is no tip more powerful than a parent joining and modelling a healthy, fun relationship with exercise and health. Do not be discouraged if your kid doesn’t immediately ask for an assault bike for their birthday once you’ve tried these tips. A lot of our work with kids is to provide the building blocks to help their brains have positive, helpful and realistic perspectives as they move through with their worlds. These small considerations can go a long way!
About The Author:
Julia Tran is a Registered Social Worker, Masters of Social Work, Psychotherapist, Masters of Applied Disability Studies. She has been a member at FirePower for several years and is now joining the FirePower Care team to support wellbeing initiatives for the community.
Julia began her private psychotherapy practice after over a decade of supporting people with developmental disabilities and their families in the Peel region. She cares deeply about making mental health care more approachable and down-to-earth! She is a strong advocate for normalizing and destigmatizing mental health for all.
She is especially passionate about supporting adults with various types of trauma, stress/burnout/anxiety, parenting/ postpartum care and working with children/adolescents.