Childhood obesity isn't some simple, discrete issue. There's no one cause we can pinpoint. There's no one program we can fund to make it go away. Rather, it's an issue that touches on every aspect of how we live and how we work.
Michelle ObamaRead
We as parents are our children's first and best role models, and this is particularly true when it comes to their health. ...We can't lie around on the couch eating French fries and candy bars and expect our kids to eat carrots and run around the block.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Parents influence their children's health behaviors through their own choices.
This quote highlights the essential role parents play in modeling healthy behaviors for their children. It suggests that children are likely to mirror their parents' habits; thus, if parents prioritize their own health, it encourages their children to do the same.
Themes
ParentsRole ModelsHealthChildrenBehaviors
In practice
Example use cases
In a parenting seminar discussing healthy habits, this quote emphasizes the importance of parental influence.
More from Michelle Obama
All quotes →What I admire most about Hillary is that she never buckles under pressure. She never takes the easy way out. And Hillary Clinton has never quit on anything in her life.
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We all need to start making some changes to how our families eat. Now, everyone loves a good Sunday dinner. Me included. And there's nothing wrong with that. The problem is when we eat Sunday dinner Monday through Saturday.
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Oh, I can't play soccer, and I'm not a great swimmer. I won't drown, but you won't see me doing laps in a pool.
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I worked with Congress on legislation, gave speeches to CEOs, military generals and Hollywood executives. But I also worked to ensure that my efforts would resonate with kids and families - and that meant doing things in a creative and unconventional way. So, yeah, I planted a garden and hula-hooped on the White House lawn with kids.
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Elections aren't just about who votes but who doesn't vote.
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