4fitkids’s Weblog

Here are 20 tips for parents concerned about children’s obesity.

1. Start teaching them about healthy lifestyles at a very young age. Once there age reaches double digits, habits are already formed.
2. If you are a parent that works late and cannot supervise your child, make sure you leave healthy snacks around the house so they avoid the junk food.
3. Try to limit the amount of time your child spends on using technology. Television, computers, cell phones, video games, and DVD’s all teach them to lead sedentary lifestyles.
4. If you get home late from work, try to arrange for your child to get involved in recreation or school enrichment programs.
5. Lead by example. If you eat healthy and exercise, most likely they will.
6. Talk to your school nurse / guidance counselor about any concerns you have with your child.
7. Support your schools physical education program.
8. Limit the amount of times your child depends on the fast food restaurants.
9. Make eating nutritious foods and exercise part of your daily routine.
10. Make sure your child gets plenty of water each day.
11. Teach your children about getting to bed on time each day.
12. Make sure meals are properly portioned.
13. Teach your children safe and fun exercises they can do in the home. (Commercial-CIZE)
14. Always start the day with a healthy breakfast.
15. Let children sometimes plan their meals.
16. Never reward your children with food. Instead, complement them on doing something well.
17. Cook the foods healthier. Bake or boil the food, instead of using the frying pan with a lot of fatty oil. If you do fry, use olive or sunflower oils which are lower in fat.
18. Try to read all food labels to make sure they are not full of unhealthy substances.
19. Limit soft drinks. One in five calories for children come from liquid intake.
20. Plan family exercise time. (PACES Day)

Thanks to Len Saunders- I copies this from his site, Len Saunders.