When keeping the body in health and vigor, one walks in the way of the Eternal.
Maimonides, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Deot 4:1
More than previous generations, our children came to parenting with an awareness of the importance of health, fitness, mindfulness, and an overall sense of wellbeing. Whether it’s through family yoga, sitting in conscious silence, or naming their feelings, grandparents can help guide children toward self-awareness and a sense of calm. When it comes to nurturing healthy bodies, the opportunities for family physical activities are as varied as our tastes and traditions—from hiking to Israeli folk dance, from freeze tag to Rosh Hashanah apple-picking.
As we teach young people, in the Jewish way, to show kindness and respect toward others and the world, there are many ways that grandparents can help their grandchildren practice the value of k’vod atzmi — self-respect — that entail kindness toward their own growing bodies and minds.
Explore more about why grandparenting is good for us and good for our grandchildren.
