Walk/Jog

As we walk and jog outside before lunch begins, I realize that Jacob appreciates this time to be able to not only share some time with adults who all strive to act as role models to him but also to express himself.  He talks about his interests and I learn how these things are very much shaped by environment.  He likes playing games indoors and out but when his cousin insists that they spend all afternoon attached to the TV playing video games, Jacob's suggestion to run outside go unheard.  Jacob talks about efforts to change his eating and physical activity habits but his day is organized around remaining sedentary and eating fried/fast/junk food.  He's aware but is not in direct control of his environment.  I almost feel bad making suggestions that I begin to see as unrealistic.  How can I hold out a goal that is outside of one's control to achieve?  Then again, if I don't set a high standard, how will he even begin to work toward a healthier lifestyle.  We finish our two laps around the soccer field and join the others at lunch. I let Jacob know that I am proud but that I also expect to see him eating the right portions of the food groups that we had discussed.