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

Halloween is fast-approaching; a time for candy bars, caramel apples and popcorn. During a time of growing concern over childhood obesity rates in America, Healthyroads, Inc. offers some healthy alternatives to the standard Halloween treats.

"Set a good example by giving out healthy treats or treat alternatives to the neighborhood kids. Healthy treats might include nuts and seeds, sugar-free hard candies, sugar-free hot chocolate or apple cider, or juice boxes."

Consider feeding your kids a healthy meal before they go trick-or-treating to limit the amount of snacking they do while they're out. Give them smaller collection bags. Smaller bags mean fewer treats.

Parents can find other tips, articles, and helpful information at ByParents-forParents.com.

Labels: holidays, tips, treats

When Anne M. Fletcher, M.S., R.D., researched her book on teen weight loss, Weight Loss Confidential, Fletcher discovered one strategy that proved to be the most important in loosing weight and in keeping it off:

"Without hesitation, I'd say exercise. In fact, exercise (or becoming more physically active) was the number one response when I asked the teens for their most important weight-loss strategies and for the most important things they do to keep the weight off. I was actually surprised to see how dedicated these teens are to exercise–strength training and running were the most common forms of activity. Less than a quarter of them were involved in team sports, so kids don't have to become "jocks" to be fit. The teens offer strategies for overcoming self-consciousness about exercising, getting started, and making physical activity fun."

Read more about Weight Loss Confidential.

Labels: advice, strategies, tips

In addition to working with over 100 teenagers for her book Weight Loss Confidential, Anne M. Fletcher, M.S., R.D., also interviewed parents for help and advice on teen weight loss. In speaking with parents of overweight children, Fletcher found

"First, they make it clear that kids need to know that they're loved unconditionally, regardless of their weight. Both the parents and the teens also stress that the initiative for weight loss has to come from the teen–if the teen's not ready or isn't motivated, nagging, preaching, and complaining will only backfire... Parents also emphasized the importance of providing healthful foods, not having a lot of high-calorie foods around, and being role models for healthy eating and exercise. Once the teen makes a decision to slim down, parents stressed the need for providing them lots of support and praise, no matter how small the changes are."

Read a full review of Weight Loss Confidential.

Labels: parenting, tips, weight_loss

ABC News posted ways for parents to help their children in the battle of the bulge. By using simple planning strategies provided by the American Obesity Association, families can incorporate healthy eating habits and exercise into their lives. Some of the tips include:

"'Create a family activity that involves fitness, such as walks, bike rides or Rollerblading' and 'Find other families in your neighborhood and schedule time for basketball, hide and seek and other active games.'"

Read more tips to get and stay healthy online.

Labels: families, healthy_living, tips