For parents it is hugely important to remember that the old saying “do what I say, not what I do” will never work. Children pattern themselves after what is modeled for them. If they see you doing otherwise, they are most likely to learn that those behaviors (whatever they may be) are simply a privilege of being an adult. Most parents report that they want their children to have a better life and make better choices than they have. The best way to make this happen is to start working towards living the life you want your children to have. If you don’t want your children to feel addicted to sweets, limit their consumption of sugar and your own.

Consider how others may view or be impacted by your habits. Anti-smoking campaigns utilize Environmental Reevaluation by discussing the impact of second hand smoke. Testimonials may help you recognize that being out of shape and low energy impacts your ability to play and keep up with your children. Those around you may already be giving you the feedback you need to reevaluate your impact on your social environment.

Post from: Diets in Review Blog

Be a Healthy Role Model for Your Children

It is the idea used in “reverse thinspiration,” or when someone puts a picture of themselves at their highest weight on the refrigerator. It’s the reason we call loved ones after watching a sappy movie or go clean the kitchen after reading an article about salmonella. It’s hard to imagine driving your kids through a fast food restaurant and not portioning their servings after driving by one of these billboards:

Media campaigns using the principle of dramatic relief are often surrounded by controversy or labeled guerrilla. It is exactly the power of “negative emotions” that people want to relieve that makes these ads so effective. However, to evoke strong emotions these ads often have to address difficult truths that can be deemed offensive or politically incorrect. The following ads illustrate positive changes that can result from small steps, not only motivating by describing the steps that can be taken to provide dramatic relief:

If you look closely, the ads below also describe what can be done to provide dramatic relief; they are funded by a center that provides gastric bypass surgery. The message is clear; however, these ads may be so controversial that people shut themselves off from the emotions that could be evoked or deny that the message is applicable to their lives. My experience has been that even those who experience suicidal ideation and fantasies of death do not want to consider themselves suicidal. The advertisement for gastric bypass surgery simply allows one more reason for people to reject the message behind these ads.

Post from: Diets in Review Blog

Advertising Dramatic Life Change