It’s All About You

There’s a lot you can do to help your son or daughter to lower their risk of becoming overweight. Being a good role model by adopting good eating habits and making physical activity part of your everyday life are two important first steps because they show that you are doing something about living a healthy life, not just recommending it!

• Get off the couch. Turn off the TV, the video games and the computer. Limit your child’s “screen time.” Get outside and be active. Experts recommend that adults get at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. Children should get 60 minutes daily. Get some ideas about simple physical activities.
• Give presents that promote physical activity. If one of your favorite childhood presents was a bicycle, you already know how powerful a gift of this type can be. Other ideas include hula-hoops, jump ropes, baseballs and gloves, tennis racquets and balls, inline skates, mini trampolines… you’ll find hundreds of possibilities inside any sporting goods store, and many are very affordable.
• Help find, organize and participate in activities. Ask your child the types of activities they enjoy, and then create opportunities for him or her to participate in them. If organized sports are a favorite, make the effort to sign up for a Little League team, touch football, swim teams, martial arts classes or ballet lessons. And look for informal ways you and your child can spend time together doing physical activities.
• Ask for help around the house. It may be a bit of a struggle getting kids to do their part with household chores, but it’s one that pays off three ways: your child gets in some much-needed physical activity (as will you), your child learns the importance of responsibility and work, and your home will look better as well.
• Be a meal planner. Make sure you have a variety of foods for meals and snacks. Encourage your children to always make smart choices when it’s time to eat. Plan meals so they deliver the right number of servings from the Food Guide Pyramid.