Develop Healthy Hobbies as a Family

The most effective habits are often ones that we start at a young age and that include some level of accountability. Building healthy habits into family time checks both of those boxes. Parents and other caregivers can improve their own health while setting a positive example for children and younger relatives. And working on specific, healthy activities together can push everyone to pitch in, stay committed, and improve the family's Return on Life.

Think about how incorporating one of these activities into your family's routine could help everyone build healthier lifelong habits.

1. Sports and exercise.

You and your older kids probably have separate exercise routines or sports. But what are the active activities that you still do together? Before the kids run out of the house after dinner, take a family walk or bike ride. Invite your child to tag along to your next golf or tennis lesson so that they can see how working with pros can improve performance. Raise your hand the next time one of the kids' teams needs an assistant coach. Or find an activity that's new to all of you that you can try together. It's never too late to plan your first family camping trip or sign up for group ski lessons.

2. Volunteering and community outreach.

Talking to your children about the causes that are important to them, or introducing younger kids to problems that they can help solve, can be a great way to make doing good a family activity. These conversations can also open your eyes to what's on the minds of the next generation and give you a new perspective on how you're using your time and money to give back.

Once you've settled on a particular cause or organization, look into volunteer opportunities that the whole family can participate in. If a weekly commitment doesn't work with everyone's schedule, you might circle a few big events throughout the year, like food drives or holiday toy drives. You could also talk to your kids about things that you can all do to help your neighborhood. Combine a picnic in the park with a little bit of trash collecting. Or have the kids push your lawnmower next door to help an elderly neighbor.

3. Eating healthier meals.

There are some nights where your family's busy schedule will make carry-out meals a necessity. But if fast food becomes the norm, your kids might develop some unhealthy eating habits, especially once they're teenagers and you can't monitor every meal they're grabbing.

One of the best ways to teach kids to be more mindful of what they're eating is to have them participate in meal planning and prep. Circle a few calmer nights during the week when no one is rushing around and your family can have dinner together. Ask the kids to find healthy recipes they would like to try and take a family trip to the grocery store or your local farmer's market. If your kids aren't old enough to handle knives safely or work on a hot stove, give them simpler tasks like washing vegetables, adding condiments and garnishes, or setting the table. Within a few weeks, older children might have a couple meals they can prepare themselves under their belts. And your family will have a new, healthy activity to look forward to when you all have time to share a meal.

Your health and your family's health should be an important part of your Personal Statement of Financial Purpose. Whether you want to set a better budget for meals and groceries or invest in better coaching for your young soccer prodigy, our tools and processes can help you live happier and healthier with the money you have.