How putting their children first is affecting Australian mums and dads
Every parent wants the best for their children, however research shows mums and dads aren’t practising what they preach, and it’s proving to be detrimental.
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Mums and dads are suffering as a result of putting their children’s health ahead of their own — and their addiction to sugar and screen-time is rubbing off on kids.
Time-poor parents often find it easier not to practice what they preach, but experts warn they could be setting both themselves and their kids up for disaster in the long run.
While more than three- quarters ensure children have breakfast every day, only one in two will have a bite to eat themselves, according to new data.
The same amount make sure their children are physically active every day, but fewer than one in seven finds the time to exercise.
The Medibank survey of almost 1800 Australians revealed 77 per cent of parents prioritise their family’s wellbeing before their own.
A “sweet tooth” was the number one habit children inherited from parents, with 32 per cent blaming their sugar addiction on elders.
Medibank chief medical officer Linda Swan said parents needed to be role models.
Mother of two Jen Dugard, 38, of Maroubra in eastern Sydney, said: “I make a real effort to carve out my time, making sure I get to the gym or go for a run. I do that around the kids.
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When kids are really little, mums can really lose their sense of self.
“They look after themselves when they’re pregnant but when they have the baby mum is often at the bottom of the pile.”
Women were found to be less likely than men to set aside time for themselves, with only 38 per cent saying they practice “self-care” daily compared with 42 per cent of men.
Medibank has launched Live Better, which supports Australians in leading a healthy lifestyle.