| Is your child overweight? Talking to them about the | | | | family to get moving and burn calories. Play some |
| necessity to maintain a healthy weight can be touchy. | | | | outdoor sports, go swimming or just talk a walk. |
| It's a sensitive subject but it's important to teach | | | | Motivate your overweight children by getting the |
| your children about the importance of getting healthy | | | | whole family involved. |
| and to encourage them to lose weight. Let them | | | | Above all, be supportive of your child's struggles to |
| know you're concerned about their weight but don't | | | | lose weight. They are bound to have setbacks, so |
| harp on them and make them feel defensive. Show | | | | expect some fluctuations on the scale. It helps to |
| them that a healthy lifestyle will lead to a healthy | | | | have realistic expectations for your child's weight loss. |
| weight for the whole family. | | | | Talk to your child about their views about food. Help |
| If you lead by example your children will see what | | | | them to think of food as nourishment and not a |
| they should be eating. When you prepare meals for | | | | replacement for affection or comfort. Focus on being |
| your family, make sure they are well-balanced. | | | | healthy rather than the scale. |
| Healthy eating should be a priority for the whole | | | | Show your child how a few minor changes can have |
| family. Don't single out your overweight child. Purge | | | | a large impact and help them keep their weight off |
| your refrigerator of junk food and always keep | | | | permanently. If they see you being healthy they will |
| healthy snacks on hand. | | | | likely do the same. |
| Never treat food as reward. Don't think that it's OK | | | | Have your child help you prepare healthy meals for |
| to bribe your children with sugary or fattening snacks | | | | the family and remove junk food from the house |
| for doing their homework or chores. Healthy eating | | | | together. Discuss why the items are bad for you. |
| should be a lifestyle choice and not a system for | | | | As their parent, it's your job to teach your child the |
| rewards. | | | | role eating plays in a healthy lifestyle. Be supportive |
| After you've gotten your cupboards in order, spend | | | | and help your child get to an appropriate weight |
| time getting more active. Find ways for the entire | | | | through exercise and a balanced diet. |