The Power of Positive Words: Shaping Kids’ Views on Fitness, Health, and Well-Being
As a martial arts instructor, one of the most rewarding aspects of our job is seeing how children evolve—not just in their techniques on the mat, but in their confidence, discipline, and overall mindset. But there’s one thing we often noticed that directly impacts their success: the way their parental figures talk about themselves, particularly when it comes to their mindset, habits, and attitudes towards health and fitness.
It’s easy to forget that our words have deep power—especially around our kids. As role models in the lives of children, the way we discuss topics like exercise, nutrition, and overall health can shape the way our children view these aspects of their lives. When an adult refers to an activity as “that annoying thing I don’t want to do” (i.e. attend the workout class you booked at 6 a.m.), a child might interpret this as the appropriate attitude towards such a task. Our words and actions – right down to our body language and facial expressions – leave an impression.
Read on to find out why it’s so important for parents to speak positively about fitness and healthy living around their kids.
1. Words Shape Mindsets
Kids are impressionable. This is not new news! They soak up everything around them like sponges. If a child regularly hears their parents complain about eating a salad or replacing their daily soda with water instead, they’ll start to view these things as burdens—something to avoid. Additionally, be mindful of which non-healthy habits we’re promoting without realizing it. Stating “It’s been a long day, I need a drink”, or “I’m too busy to cook anything, I’ll just snack tonight,” to a spouse might feel harmless when said adult-to-adult, but children tend to overhear more than we realize, and phrases like these can build stories in children who aren’t yet cognitively able to process and filter what they’re hearing.
On the other hand, if children hear their parents talk about exercise as a fun challenge, or how eating healthy gives them more energy, their attitude towards these activities will shift. Suddenly, fitness and nutrition aren’t seen as something to dread, but as opportunities for growth and improvement.
2. Fitness as an Opportunity, Not a Chore
In our classes, we often hear kids say things like, “I’m so excited for class today!” or “I feel stronger than when I started.” This mindset doesn’t just come from the activities themselves, it’s influenced by the way they’ve seen health and fitness talked about at home.
When parents express excitement about staying active or eating well, they give kids the opportunity to view fitness as something that enhances their lives. It’s not about punishment or restriction—it’s about empowerment, self-esteem, and progress. When kids see their parents embracing physical challenges or making conscious choices for better nutrition, they’re more likely to adopt the same attitude and develop a lifelong love of taking care of their bodies.
3. The Example We Set
Kids look up to their parents, often more than we realize. If a child sees their mom or dad prioritizing health—whether it’s working out regularly, preparing healthy meals, or simply making time for physical activity—they are much more likely to internalize these habits. It’s not just about what we say; it’s also about what we do. When parents practice what they preach, kids begin to understand that fitness is not just something you talk about—it’s something you live.
Even in our martial arts classes, we see a clear connection between a child’s personal habits and their performance. Children whose parents are active and embrace a healthy lifestyle tend to come into class with a greater sense of enthusiasm, focus, and perseverance. These kids are already starting to develop the mindset that fitness is an investment in themselves—and that mindset translates into more than just martial arts.
The truth is, kids’ perceptions of their own bodies and abilities often come from the conversations they hear at home. When parents express frustration about not being able to do certain exercises, or when they talk about struggling with their own body image, children – especially girls – may adopt similar insecurities. But when parents speak positively about fitness, emphasizing the joy and benefits of being strong, healthy, and active, children learn to see their bodies as tools for self-improvement, not as something to be ashamed of.
Conclusion
Fitness, health, and well-being are not just about looking good or meeting certain standards—they’re about taking care of our bodies, feeling our best, and improving ourselves. As parents, the way you model these things matters.
When we speak positively about health and fitness, we help our kids see it as a journey of self-improvement, not a burden to bear. The mindset we cultivate at home will shape their future. Let’s ensure their future is filled with positivity, energy, and the joy of living a healthy, active life.