Childhood Obesity - Do you have an overweight child? We offer tips to help your child lose weight and get fit!

The My Overweight Child blog will help you keep informed about the latest research, findings, and resources available to parents of overweight or obese kids. There are many knowledgeable people working on the increasingly dire problem of childhood obesity - and we want to give parents a place where they can check in regularly to see the latest studies and tips available to help you help your child lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

We invite you to add your comments - if you have feedback for the blog, would like some specific topics covered, or you just want to share your experience as a parent dealing with childhood obesity.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Tips for Dealing with Childhood Obesity

There's no end to the statistics or studies about the damaging effects of childhood obesity. And while most parents know they need to take an active role in helping their children be and stay healthy, they don't always know what to do. To offer some guidance, iVilliage contributing writers Sarah Barlow and William Dietz have put together a list of suggestions.
"Offer only healthy options. Parents can ask the child to choose between an apple or popcorn for a snack, not an apple or a cookie, or ask the child to choose between outside play or going to the park rather than to choose between outside play or television. When children can choose, they are less likely to view the alternative they select as unattractive."
They also remind parents how important it is to be consistent regarding the foods that are and aren't allowed. If kids know they can get their favorite junk food if they push hard enough, that's exactly what they'll do.

Labels: advice, parents, tips

Posted By: Aspen Education Group