Our mothers play a vital role in shaping our attitudes to many things in life, including health. And when we become parents ourselves, it’s our responsibility to raise our kids to be as healthy as possible. This week, two well-known Kiwi mums tell us how their mothers influenced them, and what messages they’re trying to pass on to their children.

APRIL IEREMIA Mum to Atlanta (7) and Xanda (5)

What’s the best piece of health advice your mum ever gave you?

Eat your vegetables! Did I do it? Well, let’s say I’m quite wilful and stubborn. I do try because I know how good they are for you but I could be better.

What healthy practices do you try to instill in your kids?

Eat your vegetables! It’s hard work, trying to get them to eat their vegetables, and it’s not always successful but they do eat some. They know the green stuff is essential but they think it’s yuck – it’s been a bit of a trial to get them to eat their greens. They think red stuff is yummy, though. They like tomatoes and peppers.

Are there any health issues in your family that concern you?

There is cancer in my family. My mum battled breast cancer and my father died of pancreatic cancer. Because it’s prevalent you become a bit more cautious but it’s not going to stop me living my life.

Did becoming a mum change your views on healthy living?

Oh, yes – completely. That old adage, “Do as I say, not as I do,” definitely came into force when I became a mum. But you do realise you are a role model to your kids and that they watch what you do. Even if you don’t care about your own health, you care about your children’s so you make an effort to take care of yourself.

What’s the healthiest thing you do?

That would have to be Bikram yoga – or sweaty yoga. You do it in a heated room. It’s not a quick way to lose weight but it does tone you beautifully and it gives you lovely lines. It’s also a great form of  meditation, – you are forced to still your mind because you are so buggered!

Do you have an unhealthy habit that you hope your kids won’t pick up?

Watching too much TV. I don’t watch it very much now but I did like it when I was younger. I don’t let Atlanta and Xanda watch much at all. Instead we’ve gone back to the old days and we play board games in the evenings after bathtime.

If you could go back in time, what message about health would you like to pass on to your 16-year-old self?

One thing I would definitely say is don’t be in a hurry to grow up. Enjoy the years in which you have no responsibility while you can! Oh, and eat your vegetables!

ADINE WILSON Mum to Harper (2) and Lincoln (3 months)

What’s the best piece of health advice your mum ever gave you?

She instilled in us a healthy relationship with food. In our family, we’ve always eaten anything and everything, but in moderation. We eat when we’re hungry and we don’t when we’re not. We have treats but we don’t go mad. I love chocolate and have a little bit every night, but I don’t binge. If you can have something when you want it, you don’t go mad.

What healthy practices will you try to teach your kids?

Be sunsmart! Because I’ve had a melanoma scare, it is something I feel very strongly about. I want them to spend time in the fresh air being active, but they also have to be aware of the dangers of the sun.

Harper already knows he has to wear a hat and put on sunscreen when he goes outside – it’s just what you do.

Are there any health issues in your family that concern you?

There’s obviously the melanoma. And in my husband’s family there is a history of heart problems. We will be making sure that the boys are active and eat healthy diets, but we would’ve done that anyway.

Did becoming a mum change your views on healthy living?

Being a parent has made me much more aware of my health, and I don’t take it for granted. When you have children, you want to be as healthy as you can so you can be around for them as long as possible, and you also want to make sure they’re as healthy as possible.

What’s the healthiest thing you do?

At the moment it would be going for walks. I’m looking forward to running at some point – it’s just hard at the moment with a new baby and a toddler. But I love walking because it clears my head as well as providing exercise.

Do you have an unhealthy habit that you hope your kids won’t pick up?

I guess it would be my sweet tooth! I will always choose sweet things over savoury and I love to have some chocolate or a biscuit every day, but again, it comes down to moderation. If they do end up having a sweet tooth too I want them to know they can have sweet things but they shouldn’t go mad on them.

If you could go back in time, what message about health would you like to pass on to your 16-year-old self?

Don’t sunbathe! There’s no advantage to having a tan and too much sun is dangerous. And don’t go on sunbeds.

When I was at university I used to go on them once a week. I cringe when I think about it now, and when I remember all the times I’ve been sunburnt. It’s just not worth it.