Childhood obesity affects almost one in five kids and can cause a variety of physical and emotional problems. I talk to dozens of parents each week, and many of them express concern about their child’s weight but don’t know how to help. As parents, we can approach our children in seven healthy ways as we address their weight challenges and prevent child obesity.
1. Know the Dangers of Child Obesity
Before we can help our kids get healthy, we need to know the dangers of child obesity. Kids who are overweight may develop health problems like high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, joint problems, breathing problems, and depression, and overweight kids may also experience bullying and low self-esteem. After we understand these dangers, we’re better equipped to approach our kids and encourage them to maintain a healthy weight. …show more content…
Be a Good Role Model
Kids often model what they see, so we parents must practice healthy habits. We must choose healthy foods, stay active, and develop a healthy perspective of our own weight.
3. Limit Screen Time
The average kid spends two hours a day looking at a screen. I’m all for occasional screen time, but let’s encourage our kids to get offline, stand up, and stay moving. Active hobbies, sports, and games help our kids fight obesity and stay healthy.
4. Promote Good Sleep Hygiene
While there are no definitive studies that prove lack of sleep causes obesity in kids, there may be a connection between sleep hygiene and weight gain. Sleep reduces stress, increases our ability to make healthy choices, and gives us energy to stay active. Let’s help our kids get enough sleep and establish a healthy lifestyle when we prompt our kids to establish good sleep hygiene habits.
Relax with a warm bath, meditation, or story time before bed.
Cut screen time at least two hours before bedtime.
Hang blackout curtains and turn down the thermostat in the bedroom.
Maintain the same sleep schedule every day.
5. Prepare Healthy Meals
1. Know the Dangers of Child Obesity
Before we can help our kids get healthy, we need to know the dangers of child obesity. Kids who are overweight may develop health problems like high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, joint problems, breathing problems, and depression, and overweight kids may also experience bullying and low self-esteem. After we understand these dangers, we’re better equipped to approach our kids and encourage them to maintain a healthy weight. …show more content…
Be a Good Role Model
Kids often model what they see, so we parents must practice healthy habits. We must choose healthy foods, stay active, and develop a healthy perspective of our own weight.
3. Limit Screen Time
The average kid spends two hours a day looking at a screen. I’m all for occasional screen time, but let’s encourage our kids to get offline, stand up, and stay moving. Active hobbies, sports, and games help our kids fight obesity and stay healthy.
4. Promote Good Sleep Hygiene
While there are no definitive studies that prove lack of sleep causes obesity in kids, there may be a connection between sleep hygiene and weight gain. Sleep reduces stress, increases our ability to make healthy choices, and gives us energy to stay active. Let’s help our kids get enough sleep and establish a healthy lifestyle when we prompt our kids to establish good sleep hygiene habits.
Relax with a warm bath, meditation, or story time before bed.
Cut screen time at least two hours before bedtime.
Hang blackout curtains and turn down the thermostat in the bedroom.
Maintain the same sleep schedule every day.
5. Prepare Healthy Meals