What My 12-Year-Old Taught Me About Health
One of my favorite parts of being a parent is watching my boys discover they’re capable of doing things they never imagined.
Sometimes all they need is a little encouragement… and maybe a little incentive.
This week reminded me that creating healthy habits doesn’t always require more willpower. Sometimes it just requires the right motivation.
Strategy I’m Using: A Healthy Bribe
This summer I wanted to accomplish two things with my youngest son:
- Give him a meaningful goal.
- Reduce his screen time.
So I made him a deal.
If he completed a Sprint Triathlon, I’d pay him $100.
Some people might call it a bribe.
I call it an investment.
Over the summer he trained consistently, stayed committed, and this past Tuesday he crossed the finish line after completing:
500-meter swim
13-mile bike ride
5K run
His finishing time?
1 hour and 52 minutes.
Needless to say…
Proud Dad moment.
Watching him accomplish something he wasn’t sure he could do reminded me that sometimes we all need a reason to get started.
As adults, we often think rewards are only for kids.
Why?
If rewarding ourselves helps us build healthier habits, why not use it?
Maybe it’s a new pair of hiking shoes after walking consistently for a month.
Maybe it’s a weekend trip after reaching a fitness goal.
Maybe it’s a massage after completing your training plan.
The reward doesn’t have to be expensive.
It just has to make the journey a little more exciting.
What healthy behavior could you make easier by adding a meaningful reward?
Back-to-School Thoughts: Backpack Safety
With school starting back up soon, it’s a great time to think about one of the most overlooked causes of unnecessary stress on a growing spine:
Heavy backpacks.
Here are a few simple recommendations:
Keep the backpack weight to 10–15% of your child’s body weight whenever possible.
Always wear both shoulder straps. Carrying a backpack on one shoulder causes the body to compensate and can place unnecessary stress on the neck, shoulders, and spine.
Tighten the straps so the backpack sits high on the back rather than hanging near the hips.
Place heavier books closest to the spine to reduce leverage and improve balance.
Clean out the backpack regularly. Kids often carry around items they don’t need every day, adding unnecessary weight.
Most importantly…
Pay attention to your child.
If they’re leaning forward significantly, complaining about neck or back pain, or struggling to put their backpack on, it’s time to reduce the load.
Small adjustments today can help protect a growing spine for years to come.
Quote I’m Loving
“Youth often accomplishes remarkable things because it hasn’t yet learned all the reasons they supposedly can’t be done.”
One of the beautiful things about being young is believing something is possible before the world tells you otherwise.
As adults, we sometimes become limited by our experience.
Children remind us that curiosity, optimism, and a willingness to try can take us farther than we think.
Maybe we all need a little more of that mindset.
This Week’s Action Step
Ask yourself this question:
“What healthy habit have I been putting off because it feels too difficult?”
Now make it easier.
Add a reward.
Reduce the barrier.
Take the first small step.
Sometimes motivation isn’t something we wait for.
Sometimes it’s something we intentionally create.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re looking to improve your posture, recover from an injury, move better, or simply feel healthier, we’d love to help.
If you or someone you know could benefit from our care, please reach out.
Call: (858) 521-8022
Email: alignedlifewell@gmail.com
We look forward to helping you build a healthier, more active life.
Have a healthy week everyone!
In Health,
Dr. Devin Shea, DC
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