As the school year begins and the kids go back to the classroom, it can be difficult to stay fit and active.
Colder, shorter days can also result in comfort food and less leafy greens at dinner time.
Putting together a balanced meal for your little ones lunch box can also be a challenge.
Fitness and wellness expert Pat Divilly spoke exclusively to VIP about the easiest way to keep the kiddies fit and healthy long after summer ends.
The motivational coach explains that parents often contradict themselves when they are trying to teach their children.
“It’s all about leadership,” he told VIP. “You have to lead by example. A lot of parents will say do ‘X’ but they’ll do the opposite.”
He added that getting your kids to be part of the shopping and cooking process can help them to understand better.
“It’s about empowering your kids, so rather than telling them, ‘you have to eat X, Y and Z,’ It’s a case of teaching them what healthy food is, and letting them make the choices.
“So get them involved with cooking, get them to help you a couple of times a week, or getting to help with the shopping so they understand it.
“No one likes being told what to do, whether they are a kid or an adult. If you give people a foundation, and let them have a bit of freedom that’s how the change happens.”
Pat added that letting children make their own choices, within your list of healthy meals and options can help them to be more interested.
“You have to be a leader, as a parent, you have to put the power in their hands to a certain degree. That can be a case of printing out a comprehensive shopping list and saying to them ‘I want you to pick the ten foods you want to eat this week,’ make it a game that kinds can enjoy, you don’t need to be a dictator.”
Pat also offered some advice for students starting college and for those hoping to stay fit and active during the colder months.