Useful Advice For Parents of Overweight Kids

Each year, the number of children who are obese is growing at an alarming rate that it has become an epidemic. This serious issue is something that any parent needs to be aware of. What is the reason children are getting overweight or obese? It’s for the same basic reasons as many adults have a problem with their weight. It’s essentially all about how much calories is put in relative to how much calories are burned. There are many things that parents like you can do to ensure that your child doesn’t end up overweight or obese.

Stop Using Food as a Reward

If your child is already leaning towards being overweight, it’s time you stop using food as a reward. Sweet are often used as rewards and you’re only teaching your child to associate the treats with accomplishment. And you’ll only be encouraging your child to be inactive if you use time in front of the computer or television as a reward. Think of other ways to use as a reward for your child. Consider planning family activities that aren’t just fun, but healthy as well. The rewards you give out can be based on your child’s accomplishment. You might promise your child a large reward, such as a trip if he or she reaches a certain weight.

Set a Good Example

The best way you can teach your child to be healthy is to set a good example yourself. If you or another family member is struggling with weight, it may be difficult for your child to lose weight. In this case, it’s a good idea to get everyone involved and working on losing weight, not just the child. You can use this as an excuse to spend time together and engage in regular exercise. You’re setting a bad example to your child by not looking after yourself. Remember that your child is likely to follow your lead, so if you lead by good example, your child is more likely to lead a healthy life as well.

Consuming Portions

Children and adults alike usually develop the habit of consuming portions that are much larger than necessary at every meals. With kids, this problem often starts out when parents insist that they eat everything on their plate. If a child is not eating enough or is underweight, this is obviously cause for concern. However, if your child is of average weight or overweight, make sure you’re not contributing to the problem by overloading his or her plate with food. Eating out or ordering fast food often can be a challenge. It’s best to start with a smaller portion and take more if the child is still hungry, as putting large amounts of food in front of a child will only encourage him or her to overeat.

You should be concerned if your child is overweight, but you shouldn’t feel powerless to help your child. You can certainly apply the tips we’ve shared in this article to help your child. Don’t hesitate to talk to a pediatrician if you’re not quite sure if your child has a weight problem or if his or her weight gain is just a normal part of his or her development. If you have an overweight or obese child, do keep in mind that your child didn’t get to be like that overnight, which means you’ll need to be patient in getting his or her weight problem solved.