 Strategies
for Success
Studies have shown that children who make small, progressive modifications
in behavior are able to build on their achievements and make permanent
changes. These behaviors focus on a healthy diet and increased physical
activity, and are supported by a combination of emotional and behavioral
features.
Acknowledging the Problem
Most kids with a weight problem are very aware of it, but may not
know what to do or where to turn. Try acknowledging your child's
concerns, providing hope for the future, and promising that you
will be there to help.
Self-Awareness
People with weight problems often eat for reasons that have nothing
to do with appetite, such as boredom,frustration, sleepiness, anger,
etc. Help your kids recognize why they eat, and suggest alternatives
to automatically reaching for a snack. And note that it takes about
20 minutes after you start eating before you realize that you're
getting full; remind your child to eat slowly to avoid getting "over-full."
Goal-Setting
Set family goals such as "eat healthy" or "get fit."
Break each goal into smaller objectives, such as "drink 8 glasses
of water daily" so you'll consistently make progress toward
your long-term goal. Tips to help you stay on track:
- Be positive: "I am going to walk when I get home from school",
as opposed to "I'm not going to watch TV every day when I
get home from school."
- Be specific: "I am going to walk on Monday, Wednesday,
and Friday."
- Be realistic.Write goals and objectives down.
- Re-evaluate progress regularly, and reward yourself (back scratches,
movies, camping trip, basketball hoop) for all small and large
victories.
Self-Esteem
Just as with adults, when kids feel good about themselves, they're
more likely to make healthy changes. Point out your child's unique
strengths and abilities, and help find activities that help them
flourish. What can your son do to make him feel valuable? Picking
up an elderly neighbor's newspaper? Can your daughter volunteer
at a recycling center? Take an art class? It make take some creativity
to help your child try new things, but with family encouragement
and participation, new habits are within everyone's reach.
Professional Assistance
You can learn more about healthy eating habits and how to incorporate
them into your family's life by working with a registered dietitian.
If your doctor says that your child's health is at risk, you may
want to consider a formal weight management program. A qualified
program will be staffed with variety of professionals (dietitians,
exercise physiologists, pediatricians, psychologists), perform a
complete medical evaluation, focus on the whole family, and include
a maintenance program. Avoid any clinic, program, or fad diet that
promises a quick fix or instant cure. If your child is extremely
overweight and/or has serious emotional issues regarding weight,
you should consider professional medical and/or psychological assistance
in addition to the approaches suggested in this brochure.
Weight control is a difficult issue,
especially for a child. You can help your child learn to manage
food choices and activity levels. By reading this brochure you've
already started to make family health a priority. Use your physician,
other health professionals, and the resources listed below to create
a solution that works for your family.
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