Should parents put children on diets? Sometimes when we have our precious babies we inadvertantly harm them without meaning to. How many of us drink soda on a daily basis? How many of us think it's cute when someone gives our baby their first taste of ice cream? We set up our children for a lifetime of weight struggles and bad habits.
I do not advocate putting children on a "diet." However, there are ways to slowly replace bad habits with good. Take your child shopping and let them pick their favorite fruit. Whats good for the goose is good for the gander, you have to drink water instead of soda or coffee if you expect them to. If your child is obese or has a BMI of 30% or more, see the pediatrician. Begin taking short little walks with them after dinner. Slowly replace cookies with veggies. Feed their self esteem when they finish a walk or challenge them to a race. Never reward with food. This is a vicious cycle far too many of us fall into.
Never put yourself down in front of your child. They absorb everything! People never give children enough credit. Always use positive reinforcement to build esteem. Fill their day with activities instead of video games or television. Depending on their age, enroll them in a class at the local rec. Yes, this means you have to get off your butt too. Join a class and have fun!!Good luck.