This is a very sensitive subject. I’m a little hesitant writing about it, but I’ve gotten several questions lately on helping their child who is overweight, so I figure it is time to address it.
Before I get into how you can help your child, I think it is EXTREMELY important that your child doesn’t think that he/she is fat and needs to go on a diet. This is an issue that needs to be dealt with very carefully. If you push your child to lose weight or make them think that they are fat, you are setting them up for an eating disorder and a life long struggle with their body image.
That being said, there are some ways that you, as a parent, can encourage healthier habits.
Get your kids ACTIVE!!! When I was growing up I was very active in sports, bike riding, roller blading, etc. I would monitor your child’s screen time so that they are getting enough activity. I have ALWAYS loved food–it was because I was so active that I was able to stay (relatively) slim growing up. Your child should be getting 1 hour of activity a day.
