| |
| 1. Don't nickname a child Pudgy, Chubby, Husky or any other such name. You might mean it as a term of endearment, but I doubt the child will remember it as such when they are adults. Name calling will not encourage a child to lose weight nor will making fun of them. It will only create animosity towards the parent. |
| 2. Offer a child a choice of what they want to eat. Telling them to eat celery with cream cheese might not bring success, but giving them a choice between the celery or an apple with peanut butter (all natural, I hope!) puts them in control and will probably have a better outcome. |
|
3. If a particular food isn't healthy for an overweight child (or adult, for that matter), it's not healthy for the other members of the family either. Just because someone is thin doesn't mean they are going to benefit from a bag of potato chips or a king-sized candy bar. Conversely, just because a child is overweight doesn't mean that a PORTION of chips or a PIECE of candy will hurt them. Don't create more of a difference by feeding an overweight child a different snack or meal. Chances are the differences are already apparent to them; it doesn't need to be compounded. |
|
4. A child shouldn't be encouraged to diet or lose weight. They should be encouraged to be healthy. Instead of telling a child to eat fruit or vegetables so they lose weight, tell them to eat those items because they are better for them. And make sure healthy snacks are readily available. |
| 5. A child would be more apt to go bike riding, roller blading or for a walk if it were presented as something fun to do. Don't tell a child to get off the couch and exercise. Suggest that the child take advantage of nice weather and go outdoors to play. Better yet, ask the child to go for a walk with you. If you have an exercise band or exercise ball, please visit the exercise download page for exercises geared specifically towards children. You will also find an exercise log on that page which will encourage your child(ren) to move more. |
| 6. Don't EVER compare one child to another. They are different people with different personalities and different bodies. Comparing one child to another will serve no purpose other than creating resentment between the two. |
| 7. The best way to teach a child is to lead by example. If they see you eating healthy, they are more apt to do the same. If they see you living an active lifestyle, they are likely to be more active as well. This is not a situation where "do as I say, not as I do" applies. |
| 8. Don't offer a child increased allowance, cash rewards, a CD or a new outfit for losing weight. However, rewards for good behavior are encouraged. Therefore, offer a child a reward for following a menu plan, choosing healthy snacks or being more active. THOSE things are within their control. Sometimes the scale isn't. A child can be doing all the "right" things and still not lose weight simply because they are growing. The rewards should be based on behavior, not on a number reflected on the scale. |
| 9. Don't ever tell a child that someone will love them more, that they will earn more respect, get a better job or look better if they lost weight. Love and acceptance should not be based on appearance and telling a child these things reinforces that negative thought. |
| 10. A child should not be forced to eat something that they don't like. Even if it's healthy. They should be encouraged to try something, but not forced to eat it. Encourage them to try it repeatedly as it takes a few times of trying a new food to get accustomed to it, but don't ever force them to eat it. |
|
