Be Supportive.
One of the most important things you can do to help
overweight children is to let them know that they are OK
whatever their weight. Children's feelings about themselves
often are based on their parents' feelings about them. If
you accept your children at any weight, they will be more
likely to accept and feel good about themselves.
It is also important to talk to your children about
weight, allowing them to share their concerns with you. Your
child probably knows better than anyone else that he or she
has a weight problem. For this reason, overweight children
need support, acceptance, and encouragement from their
parents.
Focus on the family.
Parents should try not to set children apart because of
their weight, but focus on gradually changing their family's
physical activity and eating habits. Family involvement
helps to teach everyone healthful habits and does not single
out the overweight child.
Increase your family's physical activity.
Regular physical activity, combined with healthy eating
habits, is the most efficient and healthful way to control
your weight. It is also an important part of a healthy
lifestyle. Some simple ways to increase your family's
physical activity include the following:
- Be a role model for your children. If your children
see that you are physically active and have fun, they are
more likely to be active and stay active for the rest of
their lives.
- Plan family activities that provide everyone with
exercise and enjoyment, like walking, dancing, biking, or
swimming. For example, schedule a walk with your family
after dinner instead of watching TV. Make sure that you
plan activities that can be done in a safe environment.
- Be sensitive to your child's needs. Overweight
children may feel uncomfortable about participating in
certain activities. It is important to help your child
find physical activities that they enjoy and that aren't
embarrassing or too difficult.
- Reduce the amount of time you and your family spend in
sedentary activities, such as watching TV or spending time
on the computer.
- Become more active throughout your day and encourage
your family to do so as well. For example, walk up the
stairs instead of taking the elevator, or do some activity
during a work or school break-get up and stretch or walk
around.
The point is not to make physical activity an unwelcome
chore, but to make the most of the opportunities you and
your family have to be active.
Teach your family healthy eating habits.
Teaching healthy eating practices early will help
children approach eating with the right attitude -- that
food should be enjoyed and is necessary for growth,
development, and for energy to keep the body running.
The best way to begin is to learn more about children's
nutritional needs by reading or talking with a health
professional and then to offer them some healthy options,
allowing your children to choose what and how much they eat.
Source: National Institutes of Health
Dance Dance revolution
is a great fun way to motivate your kids to exercise with
dance! They will not realize they are exercising :)
