Weight is a sensitive issue for adults, and it’s even more so when you’re discussing it with kids. Many parents want their children to be healthy, but they don’t their children to have a negative body image. Getting your children to form a healthy relationship with food and exercise can seem like a difficult task. It’s even harder when your child is overweight, and you want to help them lose a few pounds. How can you encourage them to eat better and be more active without discussing their weight in a negative way? The techniques below should help you to do that, so they can be healthy and feel great about themselves.

 

Exercise as a Family

 

If your kids need to be more active, it’s possible that you do too. In fact, overweight children often have overweight parents. Turning exercise into a family activity can be a good idea for everyone. You get to spend time together and make your lifestyle healthier at the same time. There are so many things you can all do together. Some families like to go on walks or bike rides. Others might play ball games or even jump on a trampoline in the backyard. You could also get the kids to join in with your workouts. If you struggle to find time to exercise, there’s no need to wait until the kids are in bed.

 

 

 

Encourage Healthy Eating Habits

 

A balanced diet is one of the key elements of a healthy lifestyle. You need to look at what the whole family eats at home, as well as what your child eats away from the house. Start with planning your meals at the beginning of the week so you can ensure you all get balanced meals. You should also think not just about what you eat, but about how much you eat too. Research has shown that portion size contributes to obesity in the US. Many expats and tourists from other countries are shocked by portion sizes in the US.

 

Help Them Get Active on Their Own

 

Exercising as a family is fun, but your kids should also feel comfortable being active without you. They need to have their own enthusiasm for physical activities, and not just do things with you. One of the things you could consider is a weight loss camp to help make them more independent. Of course, there will be counselors and other campers with them. But they will gain the confidence to try lots of different activities on their own. You could also look at after-school and weekend programs they might enjoy. Talk to them about what they’re interested in.

 

 

 

Practice What You Preach

 

Leading by example is essential if you want your children to be healthy. You have to form healthier habits yourself if you want them to follow. That can mean being committed to making your whole household healthy. For example, you can get rid of any unhealthy snacks in your home. Don’t complain that your child sneaks chips from the kitchen if you aren’t prepared to remove them from the house!
Be careful about how you discuss weight with your child. You can encourage them to be healthy without affecting their self-esteem.