Episode
#68 - "My Kids Watch Everything I Do. Am I Setting a Good Example?"
- Published
- Jun 1, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3057
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Summary
Your kids aren't listening to what you say about food and exercise. They're watching what you do. In this episode, we get into one of the most common questions they hear from parents who are trying to get healthier: how do I model a good relationship with food and fitness without passing on the wrong lessons? We cover language around food, why "treat" and "cheat" are words worth dropping, how to explain calorie tracking and food weighing to your kids, the case for eating the same meal as your family, and how to talk about exercise in a way that focuses on performance and joy rather than punishment and calories burned. No child psychology credentials here. Just two coaches, one of whom is a dad, sharing what they've seen work. (00:00) Introduction: your kids do as you do, not as you say (03:11) We're all just big kids with credit cards (06:24) External influences you can't control (08:12) It's your responsibility to fix what was modeled to you (10:59) Drop the good food/bad food labels (12:21) The 80/20 guideline, not rule (14:00) Why "treat" is a word worth reconsidering (15:19) Santo's experience with post-competition food mindset( 16:36) Self-care isn't always saying yes to ice cream (18:59) You're consistent, just not in the right things (21:51) Using "and" instead of "or" (22:30) How Daniel handles added sugar with his kids (26:22) Food as love, culture, and connection (27:42) Managing your inputs, managing your outputs (30:15) How to reframe food weighing in front of your kids (32:02) Santo's blunt take on using kids as an excuse (33:36) Eat the same meal as your family (35:16) Listening to emotions as data, not just feelings (37:39) Teach kids why we eat protein, carbs, and vegetables (40:37) Exercise: frame it ar…