How to Help a Child Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity in America is an epidemic. Schoolyards across America are filled with overweight children. Obesity at a young age increases the risk for diabetes and heart disease. It is up to parents to help their children maintain a healthy weight.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. A clean plate isn't necessary. One common dinner rule that is that a child has to clean her plate. This teaches the child to ignore her body's satiation mechanism that signals when the body has been sufficiently nourished. Instead, include a healthy mixture of foods on the child's plate and encourage them to eat only until they no longer feel hungry.
2. Offer rewards other than food. When desserts and other sweets are used as rewards, it teaches the child to value these foods above others.
3. Limit television and computer time. If the child is sitting in front of the computer or television, he is not outside playing. Physical activity is an important part of maintaining a healthy weight.
4. Help the child to find healthy foods to enjoy. Vegetables are rarely a child's favorite food. However, if a variety is offered, the child may find a vegetable that pleases her palate.
5. Give praise. Many children with weight issues have self-esteem problems. Building up the child's self-worth ensures that she cares enough about herself to put effort into maintaining a healthy weight.
6. Experiment with different physical activities. Every child is good at something different. Expose the child to a variety of sports and games to find one that the child enjoys. Participate in these activities with the child. Supporting the child will help him to stick with any activity he participates in.
7. Lead by example. A parent who eats healthy and exercises is more likely to have a child who eats healthy and exercises. Make it a family affair. A child may resent having a special menu while everyone else in the family enjoys his favorite unhealthy foods.