Healthy Habits Begin at Home

Building a healthier and more financially secure future can begin with simple lessons learned at home. For Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff, everyday family moments provide opportunities to teach their daughter, Dahlia, habits that may benefit her throughout life.

Through their collaboration with Manulife Philippines, the couple is highlighting how parents can introduce children to healthy eating and responsible money management at an early age.

For Erwan, good nutrition does not have to be complicated. Preparing Dahlia’s school lunch is one way to introduce the importance of balance. Her meals combine fruits or vegetables, carbohydrates such as rice or bread, protein for growth, and an occasional treat.

The approach teaches children that taking care of their health can become part of an everyday routine rather than something they think about only when they get older.

Erwan emphasized that listening to the body, staying active, and making balanced food choices early can help establish habits that support long-term well-being.

Anne, meanwhile, is introducing Dahlia to another important life skill: managing money wisely.

At six years old, Dahlia is learning to divide coins into three categories—saving, spending, and giving. The family also discusses prices openly, helping her understand that money involves choices and priorities.

When Dahlia wants a toy, she may choose to save for it or earn additional money by completing chores beyond her regular responsibilities. These simple experiences introduce patience, goal-setting, and the value of making thoughtful financial decisions.

Anne believes financial education does not have to wait until children encounter the subject in school. Lessons can begin at home through situations they can easily understand. She also points out that as people live longer, preparing early becomes increasingly important in building greater financial freedom later in life.

The Heussaff family’s approach reflects a broader idea: lasting well-being is often created through small decisions repeated consistently.

A nutritious meal can contribute to healthier habits, while setting aside even a small amount of money can introduce the discipline of saving. Over time, these practices can become part of a child’s lifestyle.

This philosophy is also reflected in ManulifeMOVE, Manulife’s holistic health and wellness program. Accessible through the Manulife App, the program provides health information and benefits from partners involved in preventive care, treatment, and recovery, alongside health protection solutions for customers and families.

Joy Concepcion, Chief Marketing Officer of Manulife Philippines, said families can build better health and greater financial confidence through everyday choices. She noted that introducing these lessons early can help children become more prepared and resilient as they grow.

Supported by insights from the Manulife Longevity Institute, the company continues to focus on helping Filipinos prepare for longer lives through better health planning and stronger financial readiness.

For families, the message is straightforward: preparing children for the future does not always require major changes. It can begin around the dining table, inside a lunchbox, or with a few coins saved today.