As soon as our kids are born, in fact, BEFORE our kids are born, we’re told that they will watch absolutely everything we do. That our kids will watch us, imitate us and do and say everything we do. Pressure much? We need to watch how we speak, what we speak about and how we act. Don’t say this, don’t do that and for heaven’s sake, never ever let them see you lose your s**t as that just “gives them permission” to lose theirs as well.
While that’s all well and good, it’s time parents are also reminded of all the good stuff your kids are watching, all the kindness you’re showing and that they do, in fact, watch positive role modeling and also copy that.
Hot Mama Health & Fitness is a family fitness business whose vision is to build community through family fitness. One of our main goals is to get parents active so their kids will see that fitness and healthy living are important and that they’re a priority to their parents. What we’re really hoping and dreaming about is for exercise and proper nutrition to become a habit for our kids. That it is simply the way life is lived.
So, when our Hot Mama Minis (that’s what we call the kids of our Hot Mamas) told us that they wanted to race in a Mud Run this year, we set it up and registered their own little team, the Hot Mama Minis in the Mini Mud Mulisha. They began training for their race (scheduled for July) in May with their own weekly bootcamp class. The 30-minute class had them practicing their army crawls, running, practicing monkey bars and working on their endurance (the race was 1.5k). And yes, there were many-a-burpee.
Then the race came. It was interesting to talk with my kids (ages 5 & 7) about the race the night before because, well, they had “race nerves” and it was the cutest thing ever. Who doesn’t get a little jittery before a big race? Who doesn’t start to doubt themselves and their training? But, we talked through it and I got them to trust their training and reflect on their own strength and power. They were ready. The both said it out loud.
Race day. Possibly the cutest day in Hot Mama history. There were 22 Minis running the race. They donned their Hot Mama uniform (black shirts with our logo, headbands, and striped socks), did their warm-up with their trainer and headed to the start gate. Here’s where it gets a bit emotional.
I looked around the start gate and I saw super strong Mamas and super excited Minis and thought “these kids wouldn’t be interested in doing this if their parents hadn’t made fitness a priority in their lives”. Those kids wouldn’t have been giddy and excited and nervous and about to tackle their very own mud run if their parents hadn’t done the same months before. And how freakin’ cool is that?! Go, Mamas!
The kids hit the course and conquered every obstacle with huge smiles on their faces. They RAN between obstacles, they army crawled, they scaled walls, they carried wood logs, they climbed ropes and they got so very muddy. All the while their Mamas were right beside them cheering them on, encouraging them to do their best and watching with pride on all their faces. These are moments I will never forget. They did that. Those Mamas have guided their kids down the path of fitness and healthy-living.
I’m so proud of that. Of those Mamas. Of those Minis. Le sigh.
The Minis waited for their team members and crossed the finish line together. No beer was given out, but medals and juice boxes certainly were. So. Freakin’. Cute.
So congratulations, Hot Mamas. Fitness and healthy eating are priorities in your lives and yes, your kids are watching. You should be so very, very proud tbecause you’ve impacted the way they view fitness in an incredibly positive way. Fitness won’t just be something they dabble in at puberty, it will simply be a habit, something they have always done.
And that, my strong Mamas, is something to celebrate. Much respect to all of you. And congratulations to your kids. Big time.
That is wonderful. Go Mamas and Minis!