Monkey see, monkey do

[Katie Derusha]

I am able to write this based on the entertainment of my just turned 2 year old. She copies everything she sees. For us, this is a good thing.

Parents, TAKE ADVANTAGE of this time in your child's life as it is very brief. They look up to you, want to learn from you and are literally little sponges.

Lead an active lifestyle and so will your child. It is so adorable to watch her try to copy my jumping jax or beat me in a sprint across the field. Having her stretching by my side makes me proud.

I get a lot of slack from people about not giving our daughter sugar, dairy or wheat.... or even Mcdonalds. I know she will eat this stuff sooner or later on her own accord, but while she is in the most important stage of growing and developing why not pump her with the best fresh, organic, nutrient rich foods I can find. How do I get her to eat it??? Well, she doesn't know any better! She sees me and Dad enjoying a large plate full of steamed broccoli or Kale and she wants a piece of the action. If we were to be snacking on a big bag of chips though, you'd better believe she'd want that!

It breaks my heart to see babies with pop in their bottles or holding a can of Pringles while sitting in their strollers. We need to prevent child obesity and sedentary children.
It is our job as parents to set them up for a healthy future, not a sick one.

Please be a role model- monkey see monkey do, your children will thank you!