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Handling Over Weight Kids
By navtej-kohli | May 27, 2008
Today most of the parents are facing problem of how to help their overweight child.
One of the most important thing is that the parents should be supportive. You should let them know that they are fine whatever their weight. Children’s feelings about themselves are usually based on their parents’ feelings about them.
You should have open talks with them and give them space and comfort zone to talk to you about their concerns. 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.
The second important thing is to focus on the family more. Parents should try not to leave children aside because of their weight. Family involvement helps to teach everyone healthful habits and does not single out the overweight child.
You should also focus on increasing your family’s physical activity. Balance of physical activity and eating habits is very effecient for controlling 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:
You should try to become 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.
You should 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.
You should tell your family about healthy eating habits. 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.
-Navtej Kohli. Also read some tricky and interesting stuff by Navtej Kohli on his rediff blog.
Topics: Health and Fitness |