Gentlemen, we know the truth: you love your family fiercely. You cherish your wife, adore your children, and would give anything—even your life—to protect them. That’s the heart of a true man. But today, I want to challenge you with this: love isn’t just about sacrifice in moments of danger; it’s about the decisions we make every day to lead and protect. Like soldiers on a mission, we’re preparing our children to navigate the silent battles of life—snipers of poor health, ambushes of bad habits, and the booby traps of a sedentary lifestyle.
Lead by Example
Steve Farrar, in Point Man, says it well: ‘There are no guarantees our families will stay off the casualty list. But with God’s help and our concerned leadership, we greatly reduce the risk.’ Brothers, let’s not just fight for our families in spirit—let’s live for them in action. By choosing healthy, active lives, we don’t just add years to our own lives; we lead by example, showing our children the strength, discipline, and resilience they’ll need to win their own battles.
Parenting: The Ultimate Gym for Building Strong Kids
Let’s face it—parenting isn’t foolproof. You could do everything by the book, and your child might still decide to explore a “curriculum” of bad decisions, from partying harder than a matatu driver on New Year’s Eve to pursuing a PhD in irresponsibility. But here’s the good news: by consciously and consistently building moral strength and values into their lives, you greatly reduce the chances of such teenage plot twists.
The same rules apply to wellness and exercise. Dads, if you lead by staying active, making healthier food choices, and occasionally swapping that nyama choma for a salad (we know… it feels like betrayal)—your kids are far more likely to follow your lead.
Remember, they’re not just listening to what you say. They’re watching everything you do. If they see you slumped on the couch with a plateful of chips, guess what they’ll think is normal? But if they catch you lacing up your sneakers, blending a smoothie, or turning the living room into a wrestling arena, they’ll remember that.
And here’s the beauty of it: you don’t have to be a gym rat to set the tone. Whether you’re lifting weights, kicking a ball, or chasing them around the house until you’re both laughing and out of breath, you’re teaching a silent but powerful lesson—active dads raise active kids. You also get to sleep like a log.
Monkey See, Monkey Do
Kids are like little mirrors—except they reflect everything we do, including our bad habits. You might take them to the best schools, buy them all the latest gadgets, and even drag them to church on Sundays, but here’s the kicker: they’re also watching how much time you spend glued to the couch. If we’re not setting the pace, who will? Whether it’s taking them for a swim, walking them to school, or even turning car washing into a mini workout, kids follow the trail we blaze. So, instead of just talking about staying active, why not show them? Bonus: you burn a few calories too!
After all, your children don’t just hear what you say; they watch what you do. So, whether you’re hitting the gym or just chasing them around the house. Your kids need to see you out there, remember: active dads inspire active kids.
Philip Namasaka
Kids Think Gyms Are for Mums.
Ever noticed how mums are everywhere when it comes to fitness? They’re in the gym, on the track, and absolutely smashing school sports day. Meanwhile, a suspicious number of dads seem to be… mysteriously “busy” (probably within sniffing distance of the nyama choma stand).
Gentlemen, your kids don’t just need you on the sidelines, they need you in the game. Lace up and join the chaos! Whether it’s a morning jog, a quick game of football in the yard, or joining the school parents’ relay (yes, even if it means you might come in last), you’re showing them something priceless: that fitness is not a chore, it’s a joy.
Isn’t this the perfect excuse to finally splurge on those sleek running shoes you’ve been eyeing. You’ll also get bragging rights the next time your kid says, “My dad can outrun your dad.” So, dads—less spectating, more sweating. The game’s on.
Choose Healthy and Active Lifestyles.
At Feel Fitness, we’re on a mission to build healthier communities, starting with men who choose to live for their families, not just provide for them. We’re calling on dads who want to be remembered as more than great attorneys, doctors, pastors, or entrepreneurs but as present, engaged, and inspiring fathers.
Excellence demands time, energy, and attention, but imagine if you invested that same drive into your kids’ soccer game, their sports day, or even a simple family hike. Better yet, imagine leading by example—choosing a healthy, active lifestyle and making smart dietary choices that your family can emulate.
At the end of the day, your kids won’t just remember how hard you worked; they’ll remember how much you cared. Be the dad who shows up, not just for their moments, but for their futures. Let’s lead, love, and live better—together!