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Step 1
Turn off the TV and video games. Children in today's world tend to watch too much TV and play too many video games, causing a decrease in physical activity. Parents need to set clear boundaries on the time children are allowed to watch TV or play video games. Encourage your child to spend more time outside and focused on physical activities.
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Step 2
Share and plan meals together. Sharing meals is a great time for the family to spend quality time together. This is also an opportune time to teach children about the values of different types of food and nutrients. Children can help you plan meals and even cook.
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Step 3
Build your child's self-esteem. Being healthy isn't just about the physical aspect, but also the mental and emotional. A child who lacks healthy self-esteem may turn to food for comfort. This can lead to obesity and other health problems. Never give your child reason to feel unloved or unwanted. Help them to believe in themselves and be confident in who they are.
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Step 4
Get the family involved in physical activities. Children learn by example. By getting the family involved together in physical activity, children will be more likely to stick with healthy habits. The family can take a walk after dinner or even play sports, such as badminton, in the back yard. Physical activities as a family don't have to cost a lot of money and many can be done for free. Hiking is a physical activity that offers adventure as well as being free.
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Step 5
Don't use food as a pacifier. When children are sick, using food as a pacifier may be appropriate, but using food as a pacifier on a regular basis may cause your child to expect food under certain situations They need to learn how to find comfort in better and healthier ways. Food used as a pacifier can lead to obesity.
Comments
skyedanzer said
on 9/30/2009 Great instructions!