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Kid Fit

Tips for Parents

Nix Obesity. Think Activity and Positive reinforcement.

Try these tips to help your child overcome obesity.

Let your kids know that you love them, regardless of their weight. Offer support, approval and encouragement.

How:

Focus on the positive, not the weight. Exercise should be fun and rewarding, not a punishment or competition.

Encourage Physical Activity. Work Physical Activity into a Daily Routine

How:

Exercise has a positive impact on health and helps build strong bones and muscles. Encourage it. Motivate Children by setting a good example. Participate in a walk or a swim or roller-blade together. Block out an hour or two on your calendar for events.

Assign Energetic Chores and Projects. Find Chores That Require Movement

How:

Try to assign yard work, gardening, window washing, shoveling the snow and washing the car by hand.

Set Technology Limits to Avoid Inactivity

How:

Turn off equipment. (The TV, the I-Pod, the computer and the cell phone can be turned off while eating meals. Set limits on inactivity. Monitor time spent playing video games. Encourage outdoor active games instead.

Promote healthy eating habits rich in Fruits, Vegetables and Grains.

How:

Reduce intake of sugary beverages and soft drinks. Encourage children to drink water. Avoid or limit fast food intake. Cook healthy meals at home. Kids can enjoy helping in the kitchen. Avoid purchasing junk food high in calories, fat or sugar. Buy healthy snacks like fruit and yogurt. Teach children to eat smaller portion sizes by doing it yourself. Seek advice from a professional on healthy eating.

Experts Advise Not To Use Food as a Reward nor Withholding Food as a Punishment.

How:

Explore positive ways to reward and discipline. If your child is overweight, consult a health-care professional to discuss BMI and developing a positive weight management plan.