Healthy Dads - Healthy Kids

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Hey Brothers, Welcome back to the LenDentonThrive Letter!

Many of us 50+ Guys are focused on our own health. But have you thought about how your health journey impacts your kids? And if you’re like me, you have sons who are now dads, raising their own young kids. The truth is, our choices today powerfully shape their health tomorrow. So, this week, we’re going to shift our focus slightly to include Under 50-Guys, and talk about building healthy habits for healthy families.

The Family Link to Obesity

Research confirms a strong link between parental obesity and childhood obesity. It’s not just in the genes. It’s a mix of biology and how families live day-to-day. Children with obese parents are significantly more likely to become obese themselves. If both parents are obese, that risk goes up even higher, starting earlier in a child's life. Kids often show excess weight by age six. This makes them more prone to serious health issues later, like diabetes and heart disease.

Here's the good news: this isn't destiny. While genetics play a part, your family’s daily routines and environment matter just as much. Children imitate your behaviors: what you eat, how active you are, even how you manage stress. By shifting small parts of these routines, you can reverse the trend. This is about a smarter, not harder way to build a healthier home for everyone.

Your Habits, Their Health: Practical Steps for Dads

You can make a difference. Here are five practical, science-backed steps you can take today to stack the deck towards healthier habits for your family:

• Make Healthier Meals the Default at Home. Your nutrition is key. Kids eat what is available and what you eat too. Start with small, lasting food swaps. Add more fruits and vegetables to meals. Cook at home more often, even simple recipes. Keep sugary snacks and sodas out of daily rotation. Eating smarter is about replacing bad calories with good ones, not deprivation.
  

• Normalize Active Family Time. No need for everyone to hit the gym. Find something fun you can do together a few times a week. Walk after dinner, toss a ball around, or take the dog for a longer walk. When dads treat movement as normal, kids pick up those habits. This activity adds up over time.
  

• Ditch Food as a Reward or Comfort. It’s easy to celebrate or soothe with snacks. But using food this way teaches kids to link emotions with eating. Celebrate wins with extra playtime, a fun outing, or something non-food related instead. This helps kids learn to self-regulate.
  

• Prioritize Sleep—for You and Them. Short or irregular sleep raises the risk of obesity for both adults and kids. Set an example by aiming for a regular sleep routine. Make bedtime a family priority. Small steps, like winding down together with low lights and no screens, help everyone get better rest. Quality sleep is crucial for overall health.
  

• Talk Openly—But Positively—About Health. Keep the focus on feeling good, having energy, and being strong. Don't just focus on weight or looks. Share your own goals and struggles honestly, but without shame. When dads model a "health first, weight second" mindset, kids are more likely to build resilience and a healthier relationship with food and fitness.

These changes don't need to be extreme or perfect. All progress counts. By shifting daily family routines, even just a little, you can lower the chances of obesity for your kids. You will improve your own health and happiness too.

So, 50+ Dads please share this information with the Under-50 Dads in your life. Together, you can build a healthier legacy for your entire family, one smart habit at a time? 

Build your ThriveLife!

When you’re ready for a real and sustainable fitness transformation, here are three ways I can help you:

#1 - Sign up for this newsletter. Every week, you’ll receive tested, actionable tips and strategies to help you build your own customized version of the ThriveLife that fits your needs, preferences, and personal style. And, it’s free!

#2 - For a Do-It-Yourself approach to the ThriveLife, download your free copy of my new ebook: 6 Smart Moves To Your ThriveLife. Just click the button below.

#3 - When you’re ready to join a community of other busy 50+ Guys building their ThriveLives together, check out my new ThriveLife Transformation course. The ThriveLife Transformation guides you through a 30-day transformation process which includes online video training and daily support and assistance through our online community. Join alone or bring your friends. To learn more about the ThriveLife Transformation, click the button below.

Do You Know Somebody?

Do you know a 50+ Guy who’s struggling with their weight and fitness?

Please consider sharing this information with them. Just forward your copy of this email to them. Or, give them a free copy of my 6 Smart Moves ebook!

It might change their life!

(And remember, this works for Under-50 Guys, too!)

Thanks for reading this week.

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