Whether you're a mom to girls or boys, the key to your kids having healthy self-esteem is leading by example. That means just one thing, mamas; stop bashing those wrinkles and thighs – both in front of them, but also to yourself. Instead, show them how to be healthy, how eating right and exercising is something you do because you love your body, not because you hate it. And make it be known that what matters is how good and strong and healthy you feel, not what the numbers on the scale are saying.
OK, so we all know that many of us parents have to take sleep whenever we can get it (because sometimes normal sleeping hours are just not a possibility!). But if you always sleep late, or insist on a lie-in every weekend morning, that can be counterproductive in terms of setting a good example for your children on how to start their day. Because let's be honest; being the last one to school every day doesn't set great groundwork for their level of motivation in the future.
We all rely on little while lies, as sometimes, having to tell the whole and full truth will end us in heaps of trouble. But try to be as honest as possible around your children, as to them, it can be very hard to distinguish the difference between a "little white lie" and flat-out dishonesty.
Asking them to keep quiet to daddy about the little bit of clothes shopping you did the other day? Or having them listen in when you tell granny you are simply not feeling well enough for them to come over for a visit – then five minutes later grab your running shoes and head out the door? Then it becomes pretty tricky to try and drill it into them that they should always be honest in what they say.
What "bad parenting" habits are YOU guilty of? Do you think they matter? Join in the conversation with us on Twitter at @Herfamilydotie
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Feature image via Bellamumma.com)