Obesity in Young Children
Obesity in young children is an ever growing epidemic in today’s world. Parenting, especially in today’s society, is not a simple task in the slightest. Be this as it may, it is still vital, if not more important, that we teach our children good habits, especially with matters concerning our weight. The best way to teach our children such good habits would be by leading by example.
Children, more than most creatures, are particularly easy to influence. However, it is not your children that you have to work against when trying to teach your child good habits. Believe it or not, one of your enemies working against you and your child is allowed in your house and drives along with you in the car. The culprit is the media; just one of the causes of childhood obesity. Children are influenced to pick up bad habits on a daily basis due to the plethora of media advising them to do so. For example, seeing advertisements for fast food restaurants flash before their eyes over and over again will condition them to crave such fast food, leading them to develop bad eating habits.
In addition to working against the media, you will also have to work against technology. The amount of video games and television programs available today are massive, to say the least and is a big part of obesity in young children. Some parents will physically have to fight with their child to pry them away from the television or game system in order to get them outside for some physical activity. Although this may not be easy, it can be done.
Obesity in young children can also be caused by you. So how can I lead my child by example, you may be wondering? Well, there are plenty of things in which you can do to set an example of good habits for your child. You are the most important person in your child’s life and although it may not always seem to be the case, they do look up to and attempt to mimic your actions. Therefore, influencing their actions will not be as difficult as it may seem.
If you want to lead your child to have a solid, healthy weight you must set a good example in yourself. The best way to do this would be by eating healthy and exercising and encouraging your child to do the same. When eating, serve healthy foods to your child and also eat healthy foods yourself. You should also limit the amount of sweets and fast food your child consumes. You do not have to cut these treats completely out of your child’s life, but make them scarce. Better yet, implement healthy nutritious snack foods into their lives.
You should also provide a variety of healthy foods for you and your child’s meals, with an emphasis on the fruits and vegetables. Kids tend to stray away from these food groups. By eating them in front of your child and serving them to him or her, you will be encouraging them to eat their fruits and vegetables as well. Believe it or not, there are many healthy food recipes for kids. Have your child help you cook and you will be surprised how much they will enjoy it and most importantly, enjoy their meal.
Lack of exercise is one of the main causes of obesity in young children. In addition to eating well, you must also set an example by exercising. It does not have to be anything too rough, just get active with your child. You could engage in sports together, go for runs, take a swim—whichever method of physical activity works for you. The point is, you have to get your child away from the television and help him/her to be active. Make exercise fun, not like a chore. Do this and your child will develop good habits in no time.
The childhood obesity facts are disturbing. Our nation as a whole and you as a parent need to get involved. You especially need to get involved with your own child. Obesity in young children can be a life changing and an everlasting problem both physically and mentally.
