Childhood Obesity Prevention: Children See, Children Do

We have all heard the expression “children are what they learn”. This is never more prevalent than with childhood obesity. If all a child sees are bad examples led by a parent or something in authority, there is a greater chance they will mimic this behavior. When considering all methods of prevention, childhood obesity prevention should be high on the list.

With medical reports evidencing excessive weight to health issues such as diabetes, heart condition and depression, demonstrating a good diet and exercise plan to our children should be a top priority. Beginning at home, help your child to understand what a good diet means. Use structured meal times to discuss your child’s day and before you know it your child will establish good food choices on his own.

Go outside with your child. Offer to toss a ball or practice cheering. Your child might pretend to be embarrassed, but odds are, he probably secretly enjoys it. Help your child enjoy physical activity and to select an extra-curricular activity from school. By demonstrating good habits concerning diet and exercise you are doing your part in childhood obesity prevention.

Not so Boring Food

One of the hardest factors about childhood obesity prevention is that it is not always a consideration when a child’s food is selected. Currently over half of all households consist of caretakers employed outside the home. With this growing percentage, the number of hours spent working have exceeded the amount of time allowed for things like meal preparation. It is much easier to stop for take-out on the way home. TV dinners, once considered an exception or treat are fast becoming today’s meals. As less and less time is spent cooking the art of prepared meals are losing ground.

One step in childhood obesity prevention is to work toward meal planning. Instead of viewing it as another job, look for ways to make it fun for the kids. Have children help in the planning and preparation. The result is teaching good nutritional values while having children pick from a selection of healthy choices. Not only do parents and children spend quality time together, most children will be excited about their meal; therefore, more likely to eat it. In addition, children are more likely to choose the same type foods, as well as brag to their friends. Who knows, it might even start a trend towards less childhood obesity.

While the road to good choices begins at home, setting a good example for a child to follow is the first step in childhood obesity prevention. Demonstrating good eating habits and exercise goals help children to establish the same choices for themselves. Offering encouragement for good choices and solid rewards can help a child’s self esteem grow. Positive feedback and a growing self esteem are excellent coping tools when faced with critical decisions. As good role models, children are more likely to emulate this behavior; therefore, making good choices.

Childhood Obesity Statistics