There’s a lot of conversations we relish having with our sons, especially when they reach the teen years and start to become adult-ish. Whether it’s reliving favorite tales of your own adolescence, finding out about new events in their life or just general amusement over their developing sense of humor, there’s a lot to like.
What most probably like less are those awkward and sometimes confrontational conversations. Encouraging a headstrong or shy (or anywhere in between) teen son that he needs to get healthier fits that bill. If you’re dreading such a talk/action plan and don’t know where to start, consult our tips and start tackling the issue together.
Start with a Talking/Listening Session
Ah, the talk…no, not that talk. See, it could be worse and this isn’t so hard. That’s already a win under your belt.
Before launching into any sort of detailed dietary/exercise plan to get your son on the road to a healthy lifestyle, you have to check your mirrors and pull out of the driveway first. Being a teenager, chances are he’s aware of his weight and likely at least a little self-conscious about it. With that in mind, try to keep it casual and conversational by asking questions to gauge how he feels. Instead of laying down the law with a rigorous, disciplined plan, try to see what things he thinks he can improve and work on.
Lastly, if he loses his cool (we know you just won’t believe that happens with teen sons every now and again), think about letting it simmer for a while to let cooler heads prevail before revisiting and setting a course of action.
Set Realistic Short-Term Goals
Never underestimate the value of short-term small victories. Regardless of age or the difficulty level of your pursuit, everyone likes to feel they are making progress toward a goal. If he’s very resistant to exercise, be content with a lap around the track, a short bike ride or a leisurely neighborhood walk. If diet’s more his focus, acknowledge that he’s not going for seconds or is trying to eat more fruits and vegetables. If you make it seem like the only goal that matters is shedding XYZ pounds and gaining muscle, it’s gonna be a long row to hoe and is more likely to end in failure. Start small, recognize gains and see where it goes as you develop a long-term plan.
Get Buy-in from the Whole Family
Chances are now that they’re a teenager, you’re well aware they model the behavior they see. Whether it’s at home, in school or on the playground, all kids are shaped significantly by what they observe others doing.
So, to get your teen son healthier, you need to show that it matters in your own life. This doesn’t mean beating him over the head with lessons. Just make sure he’s aware a balanced diet and consistent exercise are important to you individually, and try to get anyone else in your home on the same page. Also, it may be very helpful to tell him that everyone faces struggles and it’s not easy. The point isn’t to guilt-trip but to empathize and energize him into believing he’s not alone in what may seem like a difficult process.
Sports, Sports, Sports
Speaking of not being alone, encouraging him to try team sports is a great way to sync getting healthier with making new friends or hanging out with existing ones. Focusing on the game itself and getting lost in the competition or the mere thrill of being part of a team might also be easier than solitary exercise where he’s more prone to feel frustrated or bored.
Get creative, bring sports home and get the whole family involved with CROSSNET, an unrivaled four square volleyball game you can easily prop up in your backyard. You can easily adjust the net’s height for your son and his friends, and the novelty of the game is sure to get all quickly engaged in the action.
Make Exercise Fun
Building off our last point, it’s very important to know or at least develop a feel for the types of exercises your son likes. Even if it’s as simple as a nature walk because he likes being outdoors and appreciates nature, that’s a win because he’s up and moving. If he seems to get easily bored with doing the same things again and again, mix it up from time to time and introduce some new activities to the fold.
We reiterate that four square volleyball is perfect for exactly that type of son because it’s fast-paced action that keeps each individual constantly engaged. It also might take on an extra coolness factor since your son’s friends might not yet be aware of its exhilarating nature.
Dietary Changes: An Overview
Of course, losing weight and getting in better shape requires an improved diet as well. It will give your son more energy to exercise. And as tough as it may be to initially alter eating habits, eventually doing so can be very beneficial in fostering a better mindset.
Much like exercise, though, revamping a not-so-great diet can seem like a really big undertaking. Here are a few subtopics to hone in on:
- SodaTry your best to get your son to ditch soda (or limit it to an occasional treat), high-sugar juices and sports drinks for water and lowfat milk. And remember that whole we’re in this as a team and modeling behavior stuff? If you’re guzzling soda on the regular, you’re not setting the best example. Change your habits accordingly.
- Breakfast Is KeyBREAKING NEWS: Most teens love to sleep. There’s certainly nothing wrong with that, but make sure sleep does not come at the expense of breakfast. Even if it’s something small like yogurt and fruit, string cheese or anything of the sort, eating something before school or play is an ideal way to start the day. Plus, having something in their stomach will make them less likely to be so hungry at lunch that they overeat or go to town on junk food.
- Eat at HomeConsistently eating at home and cooking well-balanced meals is a good way to keep your kid on the straight and narrow healthy track. Try to make preparing meals an activity that the whole family can join in on. Beyond likely being healthier than eating out a bunch, it’s also a good way to instill routine and discipline that your son can carry on into adulthood.
Remember: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Talk. Listen. Get everyone on the same team. Start small. Keep the long-term in mind. Keeping those five tips top-of-mind will give you a better chance to connect with your son and just may inspire him to get healthier. Mission accomplished.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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