How to Prevent Kids From Overeating
Overeating has become a growing problem among children today. The number of kids under the age of 15 who've been diagnosed with obesity has been increasing steadily over the past five years, and is now hovering around 15 percent. While obesity can be genetic, it's also influenced by a child's environment and eating behaviors. In order to prevent this condition, and to help stop your kids from overeating, you must start by teaching them healthy habits and provide opportunities for exercise and play.
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Instructions
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Set a good example for your child. Children are keen observers and mimic what they see their parents doing. If you always eat on the go, and choose fast food instead of healthy meals, your child will pick up on it. Make it a routine to sit down at the table. Consume the same foods you want your child to eat.
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Avoid using food as a reward or punishment. Don't tell your child that he won't get a cookie unless he does the dishes, or that you'll buy him ice cream if he finishes his homework. Reward your child with a sticker, activity or praise.
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Establish an eating schedule. Children will be less likely to snack and overeat at mealtime if they know when they'll be sitting down to eat. Keep this in mind if you have younger children, as they require more food because of their high metabolism and energy levels.
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Serve a variety of foods. Let your children pick which foods they'd like to eat at snack time, but offer them healthy choices. Allow them to choose between carrot sticks or pretzels, apple slices or a banana.
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Avoid letting your children sit on the floor in front of the television while eating a meal. If there's a program on television they'd like to watch while snacking, take time to set up a small table for them. Remember to give them correct portions; don't hand them an entire package of food. Try to limit television watching to under two hours a day.
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Keep your kids entertained. Children, like adults, may turn to food when they're bored, especially during the summer when school isn't keeping them occupied. Research local sports groups or activities, or enroll your children in a play class to keep them busy. Children should have at least an hour of physical activity every day. Don't offer your children food just to keep them busy, and out of your hair, while you take care of other matters.
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References
- Photo Credit children image by Marzanna Syncerz from Fotolia.com
