Our thirteen-year-old son suddenly and very seriously expressed his frustration with the acne that had started to cover his face. At first, I felt my heart sink. Puberty is challenging enough on its own, and now he had to deal with self-image issues as well?

My husband and I quickly reassured him that acne is a normal part of growing up and explained why it happens and what can be done to minimize it. During the conversation, we saw an opportunity to discuss the broader context of a healthy lifestyle, something we had wanted to talk about for some time. After all, acne is often linked to lifestyle habits, such as diet and hygiene.

We suggested that he avoid touching his face and wash it regularly with a gentle soap. We also emphasized the importance of a balanced diet, particularly reducing the intake of sweets like chocolate, sweet spreads and sugary drinks. Lately, these had become a staple for him, and every attempt to limit them had been met with resistance and grumbling. But this time, the moment felt right.

To our surprise, the boy himself came up with a plan: "What if I drink plain water instead of juice with meals? And when we go out, I could order mineral water instead of sugary sodas," he suggested. Together, we began exploring alternatives to sugary snacks, aiming to replace "heavy sweets." We agreed to research options, discuss them thoroughly, make a shopping list, and avoid buying unhealthy snacks altogether.

The most heartwarming moment was when our seven-year-old son joined the conversation. He listened with interest and enthusiastically decided to join us in making these changes. So, we decided as a family to try changing our bad habits and finding healthier alternatives together.

Our son started researching different smoothie combinations and preparing them himself. His favorite blend? Strawberries, bananas, and lemon juice with a splash of milk. He was excited about discovering new flavors and experimenting with various fruits and vegetables.

As for physical activity, we already spent a lot of time outdoors. He had been cycling a lot, and we had taken many hikes on mountain trips and vacations. Nevertheless, we decided to incorporate physical activity even more regularly into our daily lives. Now, we plan short walks after dinner and regular outings into nature, which bring us closer together as a family.

Through this experience, I've realized something crucial. While teenagers are often labeled as stubborn and independent, this perception does them a disservice and creates unintentional communication barriers. Teenagers are interested in important topics too, but they need time and the opportunity to lead conversations in directions that interest them. We found that open and honest discussions without judgment or preaching lead to better understanding and more positive changes.

This family project has helped us connect in new ways. We are developing habits that will stay with us for a long time. And the best part? Seeing our son become more confident and content with himself.

We've come to understand that a healthy lifestyle isn't just something you try to introduce; it becomes a part of your daily routine. And although we're still at the beginning, I believe this is just the start of our journey toward a healthier and happier life for all of us.

Bojana

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