Unfortunately, far too many kids are unfit and overweight. What can be done to change that?
Perhaps a few tips on the basics will help in turning this around for your child, or any other kids, as well.
This is certainly not an all-inclusive article, but just a few things to get started, and what you may keep in mind when working with kids. As in many other endeavors, a number of small changes can often make a big difference. Just your taking an active role may be the most significant thing you can do.
Healthy eating and physical activity habits are key to your child's well-being. Eating too much and exercising too little is likely to lead to an overweight, unfit kid. Related health problems can be prevented with a little attention and care. Ignoring the issue may result in health problems that could follow him or her into adult years. You can take an active role in helping kids to learn healthy eating and physical activity habits that last a lifetime.
First,is my child overweight? Each kid is different so,each kid has different needs. Also, kids do grow at different rates, and have growth spurts at different times. This means that it is not always easy to tell if a child is overweight. If you think that your child is overweight, you may want to talk to your health care provider. He or she can help you tell if your child's weight and height are within a healthy range.
Next, how can I help if a child is unfit and overweight? A good start is by emphasizing how important healthy eating and physical activity habits are. Most kids will respond to this to some degree. Some will become quite diligent about a healthy lifestyle, others may need encouraging, positive support. Be careful never to single out the child who is overweight. We want to be aware of how sensitive an area this can be,and the damage that can be done.
Do not put the child on a weight-loss diet without knowing what you are doing. If you are unsure, again ask your health care provider, or others that have expertise and knowledge about the subject for help. If children do not eat enough, they may not grow, flourish, and learn as well as they should.
Be Supportive. Be sure the child feels that he or she is loved, special, and important, and that you truly care. Children's feelings about themselves are largely based on how adults and their parents treat them and show their concern..
Accept the child no matter his or her weight. Children are more likely to accept and feel good about themselves when their parents and those adults who work with them, or mentor them, show that they truly accept them.
Listen to your child's concerns about his or her weight. If they want to talk about it, make yourself available. Overweight, unfit children probably know better than anyone else that they have a weight problem. You may be their best source of information. They need support, understanding, and encouragement from adults and parents.You could be the one person in whom they can confide.
Encourage kids to develop healthy eating habits. For instance, serve more fruits and vegetables. Let the kids make choices in what they want, as long as it is good for their health.
Limit the soft drinks and high-fat or high-calorie snack foods like chips, cookies, and candy. These snacks may be OK once in a while, but always keep healthy snack foods on hand. Offer the healthy snacks most often at snack times.
Make sure kids eat breakfast every day. Breakfast will provide kids with the energy he or she needs to listen and learn in school. Skipping breakfast can leave kids hungry, tired, and looking for less healthy foods later in the day.
Limit fast foods. When you do visit a fast food restaurant, encourage kids to choose the foods that are the healthier options for them. Help them become aware of how high in empty calories things like ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and some salad dressings are. They may not eliminate using them, but just having them cut back on their use can make a big difference.
Try not to use food as a reward when encouraging kids to eat. Promising dessert to a child for eating vegetables is not a good tactic. Find a better, more positive approach.
Finally, start with small servings and let kids ask for more if he or she is still hungry.
These are just a few ideas to keep in mind when working with kids to keep them fit and at a healthy weight.
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