Childhood obesity is at an epidemic level. Why do so many kids eat unhealthy foods and so much of it? Why do so many kids sit around and do nothing? Why are so many kids being diagnosed with childhood diabetes? Because parents cannot say "no" to their children. Parents need to stop treating their kids like their best friends and treat them like what they are - KIDS! We wouldn't let them play on the highway or do dangerous drugs, so why do we let them eat whatever they want and play video games and watch TV for hours. Let's make a change! Here are some suggestions:
1. Take family walks. What better way to talk and bond with our children than to walk or ride bikes with them.
2. Give them chores that are active. If they are old enough, have them mow the lawn, wash the car, sweep, mop, etc. Again, make it a family activity.
3. Limit TV, Internet and Video Games. Limit them to 1 or 2 hours per day; whatever you feel is best. Another way to do it is to make deals or trade-offs. One hour of activity for every hour of the other things. We need them to be active!
4. Include them in your workouts. If you do any exercising at home have your kids take part. They will learn from your example. If you don't exercise, start! If you show them how important it is to you, it will start to become important to them.
5. Do a "walk pool". If it is safe, have a group of kids in your neighborhood walk or ride their bikes to school together.
The bottom line is that it is the same for them as it is for us: burn more calories than you eat. They need to eat less and move more!
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