HI all.  As you all know there is a lot of information out lately about kid's being overweight at very young ages.  I have heard statistics as high as 60% of our youth are overweight.  This seems somewhat high to me but still a very real problem and for the first time ever our children's expected life span is shorter then ours. 

So, here a few guidelines that I came up with and try to teach to my clients.  Hopefully, you find these helpful.

1.  Focus on positive body image.  Girls are developing eating disorders as young as 5 or 6 years old.  They learn from your example.  Enlist a "no-diet" rule in your household.  This includes things like not talking about how fat you feel and changing your clothes to many times when getting ready for a night out.  Keep all negative self-talk to yourself and teach your child to love and care for the body they have given.

2.  Keep an open line of communication with your child.  They will undoubtedly have times of poor body image and low self-esteem.  Remind them they can always talk to you and that what they see on TV and even at school may not be a realistic portrayal of healthy body image.  Focus your praise on her thoughts and accomplishments and not body image.

3.  Encourage your child to be active.  If they have an interest in a sport help them get involved.  Research shows kids in sports have improved self-confidence and self-esteem.  If sports are not their thing introduce them to other athletic activities such as kick-boxing, strength training, etc.

4.  Lead by example.  If you want your child to be active you need to be active yourself.  Start early by implementing family activities such as a weekend bike ride or nature hike.  Play games like tag or just dance and move together.  The key is to teach them that exercise can be fun.  If they complain about being active remind them that exercise gives you more energy, stamina and makes you strong.  It is not something you do because you have to but because it feels good to move everyday.

5.  Teach your child the importance of good nutrition by preparing healthy meals and including them in food preparation.  Be sure not to label foods as "bad" or "good".  Use words such as healthy and unhealthy and explain why when appropriate.  Example: carrots have lots of vitamins that help us see or cookies have a lot of sugar and and too much sugar makes our organs work harder then they need too.  Remember everything is okay in moderation.

If you act as a positive role model for your child it is likely that they will develop into happy and healthy adults.  So, take time for your personal health and well-being!!!  Eat well and exercise and it is likely your kids will too.

On that note Happy Halloween and enjoy a piece or two of candy just not 10. 

Amy