Arguments Against Childhood Obesity

The child’s parents play a very important role in the child’s eating habits and should avoid buying the unhealthy foods advertised on television. Tish Davidson stresses in “Childhood Obesity” that parents have to be good examples for their children in order to prevent child obesity. They should start working on good eating habits at a young age (170). There are numerous ways parents can promote healthy eating. For instance, having a healthy variety of food and healthy snacks in the food pantry or refrigerator is a must. Doing this, gets rid of the temptation to eat innutritious, fatty, high-calorie foods, in addition to removes the need to badger the child for eating these foods (171). Sugary beverages should also be replaced with healthier options such as 100% juices, milk or …show more content…
Families should get into the habit of sitting down at the table as a family instead of eating on the run. Tish Davidson also suggestions that visiting fast food restaurant be kept to a minimum (171). Parents should limit the amount of time the child spends using all types of technology and replace this time with family activities such as, playing a sport or taking a walk. (171) Parents can stimulate their child to become more active in less noticeable ways too such as biking to school, walking the dog, walking to a friends, or using a push lawnmower to cut the grass (171). Rewarding the child for losing weight and being active is an excellent idea; however, parents should avoid gratifying the child with food. If the child brings their lunch to school, parents should provide healthy food options. Tish Davidson recommends in “Childhood Obesity” that parents should model the behaviors they would want their child to follow